Rodriguez playing Alabama to stay at WVU?
Posted by Shannon on December 6, 2006
In the mountains of West Virginia, there is a power struggle going on in the athletics department at West Virginia University.
On one side, you have the head coach of the football team, Rich Rodriguez, wanting improvements for facilities, coaching salaries, and other items that would enhance the quality of WVU’s athletics program and maintain the football team as a top 25 power. On the other hand, you have the administration that have been silent and dragging their feet on improvements to the program.
Where does that leave the football program? In a major limbo just days before preperation much begin for the Jan. 1 Gator Bowl match-up with Georgia Tech. If you’re looking for someone to point the finger on, you can look at WVU Athletics Director Ed Pastilong and the administration.
When Rodriguez made his now-famous decleration that he intended to stay at WVU “if they would have him,” Pastilong and others were silent. They should’ve been out there immediately saying “Yes, we want Rodriguez as our coach and we are committed to do what is needed to continue to grow the program and continue to improve as a national power.”
That is what was needed to say. It never was, because if it had one could easily argue that Rodriguez may not have met with Alabama officials in New York City on Tuesday. But it appears that meeting with Alabama officials got WVU to realize what many already knew - Rodriguez may not leave, but it’s possible he could if the school (WVU) doesn’t respond.
In quotes with the Charleston Gazette, Rodriguez continues to talk as if he wants to remain at WVU, but would leave if he doesn’t receive the commitment needed to grow the program. Rodriguez says, “I’ve had several supporters of the program say some very nice things, that they want to keep us and they want to know what they can do. And Eddie was here for the Big East meetings and I talked to him. I’m sure we’ll talk again [today]. We’d planned on talking anyway [about other football matters, including the upcoming Gator Bowl].’’
Rodriguez knows what it takes to build a football program. He’s been a winner everywhere he has been. WVU needs to listen to him more when it comes to facilities and begin the work on fundraising that has been long planned, but never started.
WVU officials are facing the same question that Virginia Tech faced in the early 1990s when Frank Beamer began to turn the program from also-ran into contender. Tech put in the capital to ensure that the growth would be sustained and continued.
It’s time for WVU to do the same, to not only to continue to grow the program but to also maintain that Rodriguez is the one leading that growth.
December 6, 2006 at 11:53 am
It’ll be a lot easier to win a national championship at West Virginia than at Alabama. (Maybe next year.) At Alabama he’d be expected to beat Auburn, Tennessee, and LSU every year , win the conference championship on the field against the likes of Florida at least every-other year, and win it all at least three times a decade. In other words, the Alabama job is pretty much impossible due to their ridiculous, unrealistic, and unappreciative fans. I hope, for his sake, Rich realizes this. I think he could win at ‘Bama. Not enough to ensure a long career there, however.
December 6, 2006 at 11:58 am
Rodriguez is a smart guy. That’s been my opinion of him when I’ve met him and in listening to his comments following games. He knows football and I’m sure he knows what he would be getting himself into at Alabama, which is part of the reason why I don’t seem him taking the position.
I think this comes down to does WVU want Rodriguez and will the administration make the effort to keep him and grow the program.
I hope Alabama is looking at other candidates than just Rodriguez. It seems as though they are throwing all their eggs, now, into this own basket and betting on the longshot that Rodriguez takes the job.
December 6, 2006 at 12:44 pm
The average Alabama fan can’t comprehend that Stoops, Tressel, Carroll, Spurrier, Saban, Jimmy Johnson, etc., wouldn’t sell his sole to coach at Alabama. They really are that delusional. I suspect that the powers that be, like the awful and ancient Mal Moore, are slightly, and I do mean slightly, better grounded in reality. I have no idea who will ultimately wind up in Tuscaloosa but unless he’s the second coming of Bear Bryant, he won’t be around long.
December 6, 2006 at 12:46 pm
Additionally, the average ‘Bama fan wouldn’t catch the “sole” typo in my previous comment. Whoops!
December 6, 2006 at 3:29 pm
let’s face it WV might be an easier school to win at due to the bad defenses and the uneven spread of talent among the teams, but you lose one game in the big east you are done. florida lost 1 game this year and yes with help got into the championship game. Ya WV might have great fans blah blah, but this isnt alabama you win there you are a flat out GOD. If RR can’t see this is the greatest oppurtunity he will ever have then he doesn’t deserve it if he could throw it away so easily…..we’ll know by fri!!! RTR
December 6, 2006 at 3:44 pm
See what I mean? The ‘Bama job is about 1/10th as prestigious as the average ‘Bama fan perceives it to be. How they reconcile the fact that no one seems to want it is beyond me, but the do.
December 6, 2006 at 4:12 pm
It reminds me of the situation North Carolina State fans faced earlier this year when Herb Sendek left to go to Arizona State. State fans wanted to get rid of Sendek because, basically, he wasn’t Jim Valvano and hadn’t won against UNC and Duke on a regular basis. They though when Sendek left that a who’s who of coaches would take over the program.
Rick Barnes wouldn’t listen. Jim Calipari came only to get more money. Steve Levin said thanks, but no thanks. John Beilein was never really interested, in my opinion.
Alabama can get a good coach, once the fan base realizes the next coach will never been like Bear Bryant. No one will. Neither will another coach at Penn State be like Joe Paterno or like Bobby Bowden at Florida State. Legends are legends for a reason and new coaches must build their own legends.
December 6, 2006 at 4:30 pm
I agree with J…There is too much pressure at the Alabama job. Rodriguez would be either stupid or a glutton for punishment to take that job. But, hey, money and prestige talk and he may want one or both of those.
BTW-I’m glad we didn’t get Calipari…We’ve already been the Sopranos of the ACC at NCSU back in the 80’s and I don’t want to do that again. You’re right about State fan…for some reason we think we’ve had a dynasty. Sure, 2 national championships don’t come easy…but…
December 6, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Perhaps, a good sign for Mountaineer fans. Rich Rodriguez, as planned, was at the Charleston Civic Center Wednesday for West Virginia’s win against North Carolina State. This was planned prior to Rodriguez interviewing for the Alabama job.
Fox Sports Pittsburgh showed Rodriguez in the crowd talking to some fans and then cut to a fan sign that all but was begging for Rodriguez to return.
It seems to me that if Rodriguez was leaving he would not have attended the game. Regardless, this thing is going to be decided one way or another by the end of the week, possibly Friday before Rodriguez heads on a major recruiting trip for WVU.
December 6, 2006 at 10:58 pm
You people know nothing about Alabama football. You know nothing about UA’s fans either. You read too much ESPN which is in BRISTOL!! You guys believe everything you read. Here’s one. Coach Rod will be announced as UA head coach Friday afternoon. Say goodbye to your golden boy. Thank your AD and prez for lying to him for 16 months. CASE CLOSED.
December 6, 2006 at 11:03 pm
OK, just a quick question. If Rodriguez does come, which I don’t think he will, let’s say he gets off to a slow start, how soon will it be before Alabama fans turn on Rodriguez before you all want him fired?
December 6, 2006 at 11:43 pm
What kind of question is that? Are you from Bama? We never turned on Shula. He turned on himself. Price got drunk too much in public. Dubose had an affair with a UA secretary, not to mention having 2 losing seasons in 4 years while coveting 3 top 10 recruiting classes. Lets not forget him being the coach when NCAA came. So, you tell me. When have fans run a coach off at UA?? Its simple, you believe too much of what you read. It is a very high profile job, no doubt about it. 365 days a year job. You are the most famous and recognizable figure in the entire state of Alabama
December 7, 2006 at 12:00 am
Coach Fran is just, well…coach Fran. Classeless human being. Pretty good coach though nonetheless. You over-estimate Bama fans. We have dont have control of who gets fired. We support them no matter we say after games. That stadium is full 92,000 plus every game no matter what. Rich will be loved @ UA. Hes a great coach, and you guys are protective of him, I understand that completely. You cant pass up getting a pay increase times 2, plus better incentive package, light years in facility upgrades that were completed this year. Facilities should be top 5, if not best in the nation. Everything @ UA is cutting edge now (facility-wise)
December 7, 2006 at 12:28 am
By the way, my apologies to my first post. I hate it when others post about the fan base at UA. The only way to really know about a fan base is to go to a game. Some posters just like to post BS and rant rant rant all day and complain about this or that when they should be supporting the TEAM and coaches. I admit, some fans are obnoxious. But all SEC fans have those at their school.
December 7, 2006 at 9:02 am
I understand your loyalty to Alabama. However, I just can’t see why Rodriguez - who played at West Virginia, lived in West Virginia, his wife is from West Virginia, his family is from West Virginia - would leave. Money aside, it just doesn’t make practical sense for Rodriguez to take the job.
If he does, then that’s one thing, but indications are that West Virginia is making a move to keep Rodriguez. It’s never been about the money for Rodriguez as much as it has been about receiving a level of commitment from the institution that he has been wanting for sometime now. There are some in the administration who probably should be asked to leave, not because they are bad people or doing a bad job, but because West Virginia needs to take it to the next level, and that means a new direction in the administration.
However, a change in the administration in the athletics department is not going to occur until a new president is named to replace the retiring David Hardesty.
December 7, 2006 at 10:24 am
Reports coming out of Alabama and elsewhere that a deal is reportedly “close” between Alabama and a new coach, likely Rodriguez. Also, reports from Alabama, through al.com, also suggest that Alabama is still interested in Miami Dolphins’ coach Nick Saban, even though Saban, also a native of West Virginia, has said he is not interested.
December 7, 2006 at 2:20 pm
Well, if he takes the job, and he and his agent are shrewd, he’ll never have to work again once he leaves ‘Bama, be it in three years or 23. There’s a lot to be said for that.
And maybe he thinks he can restore the program to perennial national championship contender. Any job security will be contingent upon that ability.
One thing is for sure, if he wants to try it, WVU fans should support him. I think it’s indicative of what gonads most ‘Bama fans are that they bad mouth Franchione because he chose to take a more lucrative job in a program that wasn’t plagued with scandal. Isn’t it the American way to take better paying jobs, if you get the chance and it’s what you really want to do? Jeez.
I still think he’d be crazy to take the ‘Bama job. He’d have to win back to back national titles to as revered here as he already is up there. Anyway, let the chips fall where they may.
December 7, 2006 at 2:24 pm
I agree, J, he’s doing exactly what most people do on a regular basis when we look at the want ads. It’s funny how we will give ourselves the benefit of the doubt in looking for a new job, but when a coach does it it’s the worst thing ever.
If he leaves or not, Rodriguez has done a lot for Mountianeer football and taken it to levels that Don Nehlen and Bobby Bowden only dreamed of during their stays in Morgantown.
Like you said, let the chip fall where they may. I still don’t think he takes it, but it’s 50-50.
December 7, 2006 at 7:49 pm
He isnt gonna coach in the Gator Bowl. Hes informed the Bowl officials today of this. And guys, ESPN has been talking about our fans badly all week, and you are repeating them. Why? You dont know, so why say we need to win 2 NC’s in order for him to be loved? Thats insane. Why would ESPN talk about fans in the first place?? That should be no part of any decision for RR. FANS?? Cmon. ESPN loves the Big East. They have alot of money invested in the Big East. Contracts all over the place from radio to TV. When an SEC school takes that conference’s best up and coming coach, then they (ESPN) are gonna run with the bashing, just like they have been doing all week and today!
December 7, 2006 at 8:14 pm
So you think ESPN is biased towards the SEC? News to me.
And, I’m an old journalist so when you report items such as “He’s informed Bowl officials today of this,” you need to back it up.
December 7, 2006 at 8:14 pm
J, It would be easier to win a National Championship @ WVU? Are you kidding me? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard! How many do you have exactly? He may be playing one against the other but let’s get back to reality - Alabama and WVU are not even in the same league and never will be. What prestige follows WVU? How anyone can be as uninformed as you and for you to speak to something you know nothing about is typical. Then to go on and make it personal with the “sole” comment shows your lack of class. I have an M.A. from UA how about you? We had more Academic All-Americans than any other team in the SEC (who had the most of any conference). Get informed before you speak J.
December 7, 2006 at 8:28 pm
Mike - One of us is clueless, I’ll give you that much. I’m a ‘Bama fan too, you radical, ultra-educated genius you.
Shannon can speak to this point much better than me, but I understand WVU is returning something like 38 or their top 44 players. Now I realize depth and experience aren’t nearly as important as crimson jerseys, but nevertheless, even you, sagacious Mike, might be able to fathom how WVU is poised to compete for all the marbles next year.
Now I’ll take my leave. It’s time for me to don my houndstooth had and say my prayers to the Bear.
Cheers!
December 7, 2006 at 8:30 pm
Shannon - WKRG here in Mobile is reporting Rich has accepted the job and an announcement will be forthcoming tomorrow. We’re lucky to get him. Good luck WVU.
December 7, 2006 at 8:36 pm
All of West Virginia’s key players (Steve Slaton, Pat White, etc.) will be back next year. This year’s team was young both on offense and defense, which on defense led to a lot of the mistakes (i.e. too many yards given up passing.)
If the reports are true, I checked the site and couldn’t see anything, it will be a loss for West Virginia that will be hard for the fan base to take for a few days. There will likely be calls from some in the fan base for Terry Bowden, an alum, to be considered for the position. LSU’s Jimbo Fisher would probably be a candidate because of his ties to West Virginia. I wouldn’t be surprised, also, if Doc Holiday at Florida is a candidate.
December 7, 2006 at 8:51 pm
my sources are not just sources. They are involved athletic dept. employees. My post last night on here was dead on. And yes, Jimbo looks to be in the running along with some Terry B speculation. Jimbo would be a great hire. Hes long overdue for some spotlight. He’d be inheriting one helluva team too!
December 7, 2006 at 8:54 pm
Shannon, Kirk Mcnair from BamaMag.com reports that his info is that coach RR will not coach in the bowl game and hes informed those officials already. Check it out for yourself. http://www.bamamag.com
December 7, 2006 at 8:54 pm
Terry would get some looks because of his alumni roots with the institution. He has been out of coaching for awhile though, that would be a concern.
Jimbo Fisher is probably the leading candidate. Doc Holiday, longtime WVU assistant coach under the Don Nehlen, should get a call, but I doubt he does.
December 7, 2006 at 8:55 pm
NH, I’ve seen the same reports. ESPN, I believe, showed a clip of an interview where he walked out when asked if he would coach the Gator Bowl.
December 7, 2006 at 9:46 pm
You saw that too huh? Whoever replaces RR is getting a beautifully coached ball team. I hope Jimbo gets it.
December 7, 2006 at 9:49 pm
I heard about it on another site. I didn’t get to actually see it, but I think it made even the most optomistic fan at WVU ready to face the loss.
I’m sure I’ll see it again tonight.
Jimbo Fisher should get a call. He’s an offensive mind and his West Virginia roots would help the fan base.
Here is the problem WVU will have in getting a new coach. If Rodriguez leaves and opts not to coach and takes his coaching staff with him, who is coaching the Gator Bowl? Does Don Nehlen come out of retirement for one game only?
December 7, 2006 at 10:31 pm
I think it’ll be devastating for the kids (players). If RR has a talented, charismatic assistant, WVU might do well to think about giving him the job immediately to preserve some continuity going forward.
I hope everybody lands on their feet.
Some nervous folks in Tuscaloosa too. John Parker Wilson (’Bama’s quaterback) certainly doesn’t fit into RR’s system very well. Probably a whole bunch of the players don’t. It should be interesting.
December 7, 2006 at 10:34 pm
There will need to be a quick hire that is for sure. A lot of the kids still think Rodriguez will be there, especially Slaton who was quoted today as saying Rodriguez would be back.
West Virginia was 3-8 in 2001 in Rich Rodriguez’s first year in Morgantown. A lot of that was due to injuries as well as players designed for a West Coast-stlye offense learning a newer offense. The wins came when he had his players, like he has now.
It should be interesting what happens now.
December 8, 2006 at 12:24 am
You dont think JPW can run that offense?? He came from the best high school football program in the country and ran that exact spread offense to perfection to win 3 state titles. I know its high school, but they were in the top 10 all 4 years he was there. He runs 4.6 which is not slow. RR coaches to his personnel. See 3-4 years ago at your beloved WVU. How you figure that UA doesnt have a whole bunch of players to fit his system?? Thats just ignorant. You dont know. I dont either, but I know we have much better ball players…lets see what good coaching can do for us. I dont care what system is used, just as long as points are scored. Trust me J, there are ZERO nervous fans out there. The word I would use is ANXIOUS now. Cant wait til spring drills in a couple of months!! Should be fun to watch!
December 8, 2006 at 1:39 am
FOR ALL YOU WV FANS who said he wasn’t coming….http://beta.abc3340.com/news/stories/1206/378407.html
Rich Rodriguez is now Alabama’s head coach!!!!
December 8, 2006 at 2:47 pm
Ok, its almost 2 p.m. here in Alabama. Im a displaced Mountaineer now living in Pat White Land. THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL WORD that RR has accepted the offer. UA put a 3 p.m. ET deadline on his decision. SO we’ll know for sure in a few hours I would think. Look at it this way, RR would be leaving a LEGITIMATE top 5 preseason team with true national championship potential. And dont start the tired crap about “Big East teams cant play SEC ball.” In response to that, I direct your attention to the 2005 Sugar Bowl. ‘Nuff Said. WV can play with anyone in the country. PERIOD. WHy leave a team like that with EIGHTEEN of 22 starters returning for a team STILL ON NCAA probation? Thats right boys and girls, UA doesnt come off of NCAA probation until the conclusion of the ‘07 season. ANd lets not forget the pressure placed on the UA coach by the boosters and Bear’s little boy. If he stays, its out of loyalty. If he goes, he’s lied to us and UA deserves him.
December 8, 2006 at 2:50 pm
Mike,
LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS! (I’ve been needing to say that all day).
That out of the way. WBOY is reporting that Rodriguez is in contract negotiations with West Virginia.
Who knows where this one is going, I hope he stays. I think he would be smart to stay. But we’re 10 minutes to a deadline. Both fan bases are sweating this one.
December 8, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Mike - I’m pretty sure ‘Bama’s probation is up as of February 1, 2007. Even if that’s not the case, I can think of 2.1 million reasons why RR might be tempted to jump ship.
December 8, 2006 at 3:40 pm
J Says:
December 6th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
The average Alabama fan can’t comprehend that Stoops, Tressel, Carroll, Spurrier, Saban, Jimmy Johnson, etc., wouldn’t sell his sole to coach at Alabama. They really are that delusional. I suspect that the powers that be, like the awful and ancient Mal Moore, are slightly, and I do mean slightly, better grounded in reality. I have no idea who will ultimately wind up in Tuscaloosa but unless he’s the second coming of Bear Bryant, he won’t be around long.
What is it with you people? You are painting with a broad brush pal… the “average” BAMA fan? Well i guess that must mean that the average WV fan is a cynical bigoted asshole - would that be correct? Of course not.. Why is it that everyone from the outside looking in always brings up Bear Bryant? We don’t..
Congrats on keeping your coach - Bailing after his attorney agreed to the deal doesn’t exactly demand respect for the guy-
take care
December 8, 2006 at 3:48 pm
terry - how about this: “The average Alabama fan is a sore loser who counts his chickens before they are hatched?”
We’re stuck with you buddy. Nevertheless, Roll Tide Roll!
December 8, 2006 at 3:51 pm
J-Apparently Terry doesn’t know you’re a Tide fan…
I think this is a case of Bama-media getting carried away. There are a lot of links in this post alone that turned out to be a bit too “eager”. Plus RR may have cut it close vying for some WVU respect…who knows?
December 8, 2006 at 3:54 pm
There is a press conference at 5:30 p.m., today. It’s likely some information will come out then about why Rodriguez decided to stay at WVU.
(I’m glad he stayed at West Virginia.)
I really think, now, it seems like the Alabama media was a little eager, you’re right Todd, which caused the firestorm that occured.
December 8, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Shannon-So how much are you selling those Gator Bowl tickets for?
December 8, 2006 at 3:55 pm
Nothing. I’ll be there with my Gold and Blue. No protest ticket sales today.
December 8, 2006 at 3:59 pm
Sweet home West Virginia…Lord I’m coming home to you…West Virginia. Give the keys to Morgantown to Rodgriguez. Maybe he understands that even if the money was more with the Tide, there he would not be the homestate hero he is here to many.
December 8, 2006 at 3:59 pm
I’ll give you $2 million a year AND pay off the $2 million buyout! Just kiddin!
December 8, 2006 at 4:00 pm
Mike,
COUNTRY ROADS! Take me home to the place I belong WEST VIRGINIA!
December 8, 2006 at 4:30 pm
If we get a national championship shot, even a shot at it, I might vote for Rod for the next governor.ha.
December 8, 2006 at 4:31 pm
next year. of course. let’s just blow out Georgia Tech now. I bet this just might fire up the team a little bit more.
December 8, 2006 at 7:17 pm
I think you’re right, Mike.
December 9, 2006 at 1:07 pm
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