Here we go again.
That’s about the best way we can sum up today’s developments: here we go again. Rich Rodriguez, head coach at West Virginia University, is in discussions about taking another job. Last year it was Alabama where he nearly took the position now held by Nick Saban. This year it’s the opening at Michigan where he would take over for Lloyd Carr. News of the meeting that took place in Toledo comes as WVU begins preparations for its Fiesta Bowl match-up with Oklahoma.
It shouldn’t really surprise anyone that Rodriguez is a candidate for a major coaching position like this. He is a young and innovative coach that has had success at a program that is not used to national exposure and competing for national titles. However, what could come as a shock as it comes one year after Rodriguez took a large financial increase, to $1.9 million, to remain at WVU.
Rodriguez took a hit last year interviewing for the Alabama position and when he returned many believed, at least for one year, the rumors would subside of his interest in other positions. Today’s announcement and revelation of perhaps interest in the Michigan job could cost Rodriguez in terms of fan base even if he decides to stay at WVU.
It makes sense for Michigan to consider Rodriguez. He is one of the biggest supporters and users of the spread offense, an offense that produced Michigan’s two big losses against Appalachian State and Oregon to start the season. The spread offense is not used in the Big Ten at all and the defensive style of football in the conference could set-up nicely for the spread (think Florida against Ohio State).
There is the issue of a $4 million buyout that Michigan and Rodriguez would have to deal with. Last year, when Michigan was hiring John Beilein, from West Virginia by the way, school leaders said publicly that a buyout is between the coach and the school. That was what they said for basketball. Would the football-heavy school be willing to cover some of the $4 million buyout? That perhaps remains to be seen.
As it does would Rodriguez and Beilein want to be on the same athletic coaching roster once more. It’s not like they had a great partnership at WVU when both were there.
Prediction: Rodriguez will be named Michigan’s head coach.
