Edit: Pretend like this never happened.
I could certainly be wrong about this, but it doesn’t seem to me that the Alabama head coaching job is all that great a gig. There’s history, there’s tradition, blah blah blah… but those things do not a great job make. You’ve got a fanbase that expects national title contention every year, when that’s probably not the reality. The Tide has clearly fallen to 2nd-place status in their own state and they’re a second-tier team in the SEC. He’s also going to have to explain to the people of Alabama about 2,000 times in the next few months that is not Mexican, and that is he is in this country legally. I don’t know why that’s a dream job.
I don’t know why that’s better than the job at WVU, where you’ve got Pat White and Steve Slaton together for at least one more year, and possibly two. It’s in a conference that’s not nearly as deep as the SEC, the road to the BCS is far easier, you get an automatic win against Dave Wannstedt every year, your fans do not own ceramic Bear Bryant salt-and-pepper shakers, this bastard is nowhere to be found, and you’ve built yourself as much job security as you could possibly imagine.
Obviously, there’s the money … but as it turns out, what he’ll be making at Alabama isn’t really much more than he’s making at West Virginia. If money was his motivation, I think he probably could’ve held out for another year, waited to see what he could make happen next year with White, Slaton, and nearly the entire defense returning, and then really cash in somewhere.
I don’t know. I think he’s making a mistake, but hey, it’s his life. I’m not going to get on him about “lying” just days prior, saying he would remain at West Virginia. Any coach in his situation is almost forced to lie right there. Perhaps he doesn’t come off looking as good as Greg Schiano, but … coaches lie about jobs. It’s almost a part of the job description.
Allison Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 9:04 am
So in April you posted that Belein was leaving, and he didn’t. Now you’re posting that Rod is leaving… so I’m hoping that you’re the jinx upon all attempts to steal WVU coaches.
I’m not going to believe it until it’s posted by a legit news source. And you really need to stop hating me trying to ruin my day.
Mark Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 9:51 am
Well said, MJD. More importantly though, in a similar vein to what you pointed out, Rodriguez now has a very impatient fanbase who will not wait to BUILD a winner, which, I believe, was his specialty at West Virginia.
Fanbase impatience has killed a lot of teams’ hopes (Also see: Chicago Cubs after the 2007 season). I give Rodriguez 3 years before he’s out.
Zac Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 10:19 am
I will preface this by saying that I am an Alabama alum/fan.
I really do not understand the perception that it is better for a coach to stay somewhere because it is the best team in a weak conference. Personally, I would much rather win a conference championship in the strongest conference in the country once every 5 years than win one every 2 years in a second tier conference. I can understand not leaving a school because you are from the state and it is your alma mater…. But someone who stays because it is easier to win, and because expectations are not as high is a pussy, IMHO.
Todd Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 10:31 am
Roll Tide!!!!!
Giddy Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 10:43 am
Sorry Shannon, but this is no speculation - it’s fact. Fortunately for West Fuckin’ Virginia, they have a good team coming back next season. Unfortunately for Rich Rodriguez he has a long season ahead of him. Especially considering football season never ends in Alabama. Enjoy that.
Giddy Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 11:11 am
apparently, it’s not fact. apparently i like to jump to conclusions.
Sports Pulse Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Rich will be looking for another job in a few years. How many coaches has Alabama had the past ten years? Too many to count. Yes winning in the Big East would be easier and so would getting into a BCS bowl.
Alabama is career suicide.
Chucky Atkins Jr. Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 11:44 am
I don’t understand why coaching is like this. This situation isn’t like Michigan vs. Central Michigan. West Virginia isn’t inherently inferior to Alabama. They both have nationally recognized programs, so this is essentially a lateral move for Rodriguez. It’s like leaving the register at Burger King to go and work at McDonalds for a fifty cent raise. McDonalds may have more tradition, but the food is better at Burger King. Why not just stay where the food is better, and in Rodriguez’s case, he won’t be hassled by the asshole customers, figuratively speaking?
hkuszak Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 3:24 pm
My source (Dan Patrick show on ESPN Radio) tells me that WVU is in the process of renegotiated RichRod’s contract and that the offer from Alabama needs at decision by 3pm EST - which is in about 35 minutes.
The Big Picture Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
two things:
1. alabama has about as much talent there as the Little fucking Giants.
2. Legit sources now saying that RR is staying at WFuckingVU. this is the most bullshit coaching change ever. make up your fucking mind! i used to like rich rodriguez, but his indecision is starting to change my mind.
Allison Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 4:45 pm
YOU CAME THROUGH FOR ME AGAIN, MJD!!!
You keep it up with the pre-emptive WVU reporting.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2690016
Yay!
boo boo Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Rich Rod is staying in Motown! See you all in Jacksonville!
the mighty mjd Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
I swear, this was fact when I went to bed last night. I fucking hate it when that happens. Oh well.
Johnny Says:
December 8th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
Fuckin’ Fuck Yeah!
Red Says:
December 9th, 2006 at 4:07 am
first let me say as a proud Mountaineer how happy I am WV is now known as West “Fuckin’” Virginia…I wish that happened a couple of years ago when I was still there. I need that sweatshirt.
Second, fuck Alabama and all you high and mighty SEC freaks. Louisville, WV, Rutgers, and arguably So. Fla. would have been far from pushovers in that league. Florida and LSU are for real, but who’s the dominant team besides them, and White and Slaton are each better than pretty much any player in the SEC.
Matt Moore Says:
December 13th, 2006 at 5:03 am
Big Pic - This is far from the most indecisive coaching change ever. Who was the coach a few years ago who accepted the job, bought a damn house, moved, and then backed out 2 days later?
Matt Moore Says:
December 13th, 2006 at 5:09 am
It was Jim Harrick I was thinking of. He decided to leave RI for Georgia, changed his mind the next day, and then, on the third day, finally decided to take the Georgia job.
The Big Picture Says:
December 13th, 2006 at 6:00 pm
nice call wit Herrick, Matt.
what is it with alabama? mike price lasted a few days and now RR about 2 hours. that job is like cursed or something.