ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — With each new start, comes more patience for Rich Rodriguez.

Like any other of his previous coaching stops, Rodriguez will go through another series of firsts at Michigan. A first set of spring drills, a first set of summer two-a-days and a first game preparation week as August gives way to his first season in Ann Arbor.

And two days before Michigan will make its first practice appearance outdoors under its new head coach, Rodriguez sees progress.

Slowly, but surely.

"We've got a long way to go," Rodriguez said in a post-practice press conference Thursday. "We've made some steps, but we're not close to being ready to play a game."

With only more than a week remaining before Michigan's final scrimmage — which will be held at an area high school due to construction at Michigan Stadium — Rodriguez said he didn't have time to digest the happenings in a West Virginia courtroom earlier on Thursday.

At a hearing held in Morgantown, a judge decided that Rodriguez may present evidence to try to prove he was fraudulently induced into signing a contract that included a $4 million buyout he now refuses to pay.

West Virginia University sued Rodriguez Dec. 27, sparking a public feud. The judge on Thursday also ruled that the university has a right to see documents relating to Rodriguez's hiring and contract discussions with Michigan.

When asked for his reaction, Rodriguez said he hadn't yet heard the details of the hearing.

"What happened? My wife called me — Rita was there and the attorneys were there," Rodriguez said. "I didn't delve into the details too much — I will later tonight because I'm focused on spring practice."

Besides installing a completely new system, Rodriguez and his Michigan staff also must contend with inexperience. Neither of the two leading contenders to move into the Wolverines' starting quarterback slot have taken a college snap. His candidates to replace Mike Hart as Michigan's tailback played only sparingly last season while only wide receiver, Greg Matthews, has significant time on the field.

With so much work yet to be done, Rodriguez told his players Thursday that this summer will be critical for the Wolverines' development.

Conditioning will be key. Rodriguez said his players have made strides — and have been given an elementary introduction to Michigan's new spread offense — but handling the rigors of his game plan will require continued improvement.

"They're in better shape than they were two months ago," Rodriguez said. "You get a lot of time after the bowl game and it doesn't take you much to get out of shape at this level. We're not nearly in game shape."

Rodriguez said he also expects players to spend more time reviewing their playbooks so that when they do assemble for summer workouts, they'll be ready.

And while the goal of winning Big Ten championships remains, Rodriguez said he wants his players to look at goal-setting in a different way. Rodriguez said Michigan's on-the-field product will dictate its progress.

"I don't want them to expect anything," he said. "I want them to deserve it — if they deserve it, they'll usually get it."