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Report Says Rodriguez Considering Michigan Job Save Email Print
Posted: 4:12 PM Dec 14, 2007
 Last Updated: 1:03 PM Dec 15, 2007
 Reporter: Michael Wooten
Email Address: michael.wooten@wsaz.com
71 comments
A | A | A

UPDATE @ 6:16pm
From the Associated Press
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez declined comment today on a report that he was meeting with Michigan officials about the Wolverines' football coaching vacancy.

Rodriguez said little upon arriving at the Morgantown airport on a flight from Toledo, Ohio.

The Sporting News Radio is reporting that Rodriguez and his agent were in Toledo to talk with Michigan athletic director Bill Martin and university president Mary Sue Coleman.

Michigan is looking for a replacement for Lloyd Carr, who announced his retirement last month.

West Virginia athletic director Ed Pastilong says he was unaware Rodriguez was in Toledo.

Pastilong wouldn't say whether West Virginia had given Michigan permission to talk to Rodriguez.

Michigan athletic department spokesman Bruce Madej says he was unaware of any talks with Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has a hefty buyout clause in his contract with WVU.


UPDATE @ 5:52
WSAZ has learned that Rich Rodriguez arrived in a private plane at the Morgantown Airport at 5:15pm. The flight was from Toledo. He told reporters that he was headed to practice.


ORGINAL REPORT @ 4:12pm
Several media outlets are reporting that WVU Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez met with the University of Michigan Friday.

Sources tell the Detroit Free Press that Rodriguez met with Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin and University President Mary Sue Coleman in Toledo, Ohio to discuss the open position.

Rodriguez's current contract with WVU runs through the 2013 season and has a $4 million buyout.

His career record is 60-26.

Rodriguez has coached West Virginia since the 2001 season, after coaching as an offensive coordinator under Tommy Bowden first at Tulane in 1997-98 and then 1999-2000 at Clemson.

He played three seasons at West Virginia under legend Don Nehlen, a former Michigan assistant under Bo Schembechler.
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Posted by: Scott on Dec 22, 2007 at 12:38 AM
check out www.thankscoachrod.com
Posted by: Mark on Dec 16, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Sorry to see him go, but I am tired of wondering ,,,,,,,, Will he stay, WVU is a top program and will get a class act to replace him. I am proud to be a WVU fan living in this area and I wish Marshall the best in all sports. I makes me sick to see some of the ignorant comments people post on here and the message boards. Grow up people We are West Virginian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sound familiar? Like it or leave!
Posted by: mike on Dec 16, 2007 at 06:36 PM
As a buckeye fan I hope he goes to Michigan, He always chokes in big games, another coach the BUCKEYES will own.
Posted by: candy lynn on Dec 16, 2007 at 02:20 PM
i am the number one wvu fan i behind them 100% it made me sick and sad wvu would sale us out in the pitt game but now i know why _Rich Rodriguez wants to go to mich. if you want to go go dont sale the wvu team out to go it ant fair to the wvu boys who work hard under you or the wvu fans .
Posted by: Lee on Dec 16, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Rich Rodriguez is a great coach. If he has the opportunity to advance his career what's wrong with that? I bet any of you writing would take an opportunity to advance your own career. That's life. It's human nature to strive to be the best. If you don't, you're already dead.
Posted by: Bobby on Dec 16, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Im a Louisville fan. You saw what we went through with Patrino. Were is the loyalty. Best qualification for a coach. You must be a great LIAR. I pull for the Mountaineers due to them being in the Big East conference. As far as Marshall goes. We are going to beat your butts on the basketball court next week. Guranteed!
Posted by: JK on Dec 16, 2007 at 02:54 AM
Lets face it, in todays economy, loyalty does not pay the bills. If you or anyone else were offered twice your salary to change jobs, youd be gone in a flash. Just because hes a wv boy doesnt mean hes locked in for life. There is life beyond Morgantown.
Posted by: David on Dec 16, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Rich must be really thinking about it or he would say he is staying. Rutgers coach didn't take long to say NO. If Rich didn't mean it when he said he would play for a national championship at WVU then he shouldn't have said it. I think Coach Nehlen is more of a Mountaineer than Rich and he is not from this state. The Alum needs to let him go this time because it must be going to be the same thing every year. Next it could be Notre Dame, Penn State, Florida State, etc....
Posted by: gary on Dec 15, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Of course Mark Snyder isn't leaving.. MU could not be that lucky.. No one wants him.
Posted by: Scott on Dec 15, 2007 at 07:40 PM
I am a die hard mountaineer fan,but I do not want to go through this either.If he wants to leave then leave.After everything last year it should be enough,he said money wasnt everything didnt he? And oh yea,what bowl is Marshall playing in?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 07:23 PM
I cant believe some of the comments on here. It was reported by a reporter who is paid to get people to read his reports. It worked. No one knows what was said behind closed doors. As far as I have seen no one is begging him to stay. For all we know he could have suggested who would be a good fit for the michigan football team. Things get blown out of proportion way too much
Posted by: JR on Dec 15, 2007 at 07:19 PM
THANKS COACH ROD,GOOD LUCK IF YOU GO...
Posted by: jill on Dec 15, 2007 at 05:00 PM
coach rodriguez is money hungry. i say let him go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: John Ray on Dec 15, 2007 at 04:39 PM
YOU WVU FANS KILL ME.COACH ROD AS DONE A GREAT JOB OVER THE YEARS. MANY BOWL VICTORYS.IF HE IS CONSIDERING THE MICHIGAN JOB,THATS HIS OPTION.DON NEHLEN WAS GREAT COACH,BUT YOU WVU FANS WANTED HIM OUT.NOW YOU ARE CRYING.UNDERSTAND THIS IS THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 04:29 PM
If he takes the job, he's 10-1 and loses to Ohio St yearly,he's gone from there
Posted by: DAVID on Dec 15, 2007 at 02:57 PM
No one knows really whats going on. You guys need to think that people get paid for starting controversaries. I don't agree with him trying to hide. He needs to come clean. If his heart isn't here, then he needs to go. Us as fans and monetary donaters deserve at least that. This shouldn't happen every year. Everybody is gaining their information off of other peoples information which in turn makes everyone upset. He needs to bring out what the problem is in mortgantown. Don't cry and wine. We pay him, I feel we deserve to know
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 02:19 PM
WE ARE...AWFUL ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Posted by: Rick on Dec 15, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Wow, didn't Rich just last year reaffirm his commitment to the WVU program? His on field accomplishments are consistently diminished by what appears to be a fatal character flaw. He is incredibly greedy and loyal only to his bank account. Consistently mulling over offers from other schools hurts the WVU program. Enough is enough. Please let's all bid farewell to Rich so that he can finally become FILTHY RICH.
Posted by: mountaineeer on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:50 PM
does the herd have a football team??
Posted by: A on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:24 PM
I just wish they made news programs without any sports related stories.
Posted by: J on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Who cares? it is WVU maybe some of the WVU fans will go with him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:07 PM
People jump to conclusions when they just talk. Michigan talked to Les Miles and nothing happened. Lets just wait and see before people get worked up. Nonetheless Marshall still has no chance!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:44 AM
We do realize what a great coach we have, but I don't believe in sucking butt to make someone stay if they don't want to be here. If Rich's heart is into WVU then he will stay, if not, LET HIM GO WHEREVER HE WANTS TO GO TOO. I don't think his heart was into the game when we played PITT, because he sure to me didn't show it.
Posted by: Sandy on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:42 AM
I think it's time to let him go. People need to quit begging to him. WVU can find another coach to replace him. Go Mountaineers!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:41 AM
I do think Rich is a great coach, but WVU should not beg him to stay. He is going to do this every year and it just get's the players upset for nothing. I believe there is other great coaches out there, you just have to find them. I hope Rich stays but if he doesn't then so be it.
Posted by: Everett on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:36 AM
For the people who can remember Don Merridth (spelling) Monday Night Football. WV its time to turn out the lights the party is over!!!!
Posted by: tony on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:27 AM
hey Rich do you need help packing?just let us know and we will be glad to help.i'll bring a extra truck just for all your money WVU has given you.
Posted by: JT on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:21 AM
The most exciting team in college football to watch when they are on. It is no wonder they lose big games as they are great to love and hate. Imagine the pressure to hear the fans boo when you are getting the crap kicked out of you and nothing goes right. We have all watched great teams get thumped and wonder if it is all rigged! Loyal fan or not this team when on is great and it is a shame that a team tries to carry a state to a better future has to suffer the agony of defeat so many times and different ways. Good luck Mountaineers in the future!
Posted by: Terry on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Why should Rich be any different than all yhe other Coachs. None of them are men of their word. I do belive He signed a contract for 5 years. Guess his word means nothing. Michigans loss.
Posted by: john on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:18 AM
RR has taken WV as far as he can. If he ever wants to play for a national title, he needs to move on. To be loved at Michigan, all he will have to do is beat Ohio State, and not like the Alabama job where he would have to beat every team in the SEC. Go Rich and don't let the Governor convince you to stay! GO VOLS!
Posted by: Jimmie on Dec 15, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Let the loyalty go all of these coaches are over paid anyway be sure Rod you can beat Ohio State or it will all be over in a short while.
Posted by: Marcus on Dec 15, 2007 at 09:42 AM
I'm tired of people begging him to stay. Who cares stay or leave. There are other coaches out there.
Posted by: Bobby on Dec 15, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Go Louisville,
Posted by: Mounts on Dec 15, 2007 at 08:01 AM
I am darn proud of WVU and the team(s). They have generated interest around the country. As far as footbal, Rich is largly responsible for that. But his loyalty to us must be called into question. Why would he allow himself to be dragged into this media circus now unless he is seriously considering this offer. Whever invented these buyot clauses is a genuis. My hear skips a beat anytime WVU or Marshall opens the collective eye of America, but we need coaches at the helm of our schools to honor committment; the way they expect their players to on the field. If Rich wants to leave, that only implies he lives in a glass house and throws rocks; not loyal to the gold and blue; or wants more money than he'll be able to spend in his own lifetime. Keep me informed, I'll drive his Uhaul to Michiganfor him if it means we'll finally get a coach who can practice what he preaches.
Posted by: dave on Dec 15, 2007 at 07:38 AM
let him go. he's gonna do this every year. there's already a replacement out there. terry bowden
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 07:28 AM
I agree with Russ.. send him and WVU.. People talk all the crap about Mark Snyder, but he is not quitting just cause he lost a bunch of games.. send them both!!
Posted by: Russ on Dec 15, 2007 at 02:53 AM
It will never cease to amaze me how upset people get over WVU. The school is over-hyped and the coaches overpaid. If the number of mountaineer fans was proportional to its number of graduates, WV would have the most educated population in the US. WVU the School of Public Relations and Consumerism, without a blind following and complete lack of care about it's lack of quality education, this school would be nothing but a retreat in the mountains for snooty rich kids, wait - that's what it is now.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 02:52 AM
you wvu fans don't realize how good of a coach you have. i guess you want to find out though. if he leaves you all will be wishing he would have stayed because you will be losing more than 2 games next year.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:49 AM
WVU SHOULDN'T EVEN TRY TO KEEP HIM HERE AGAIN BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE HE WANTS TO BE HERE ANYWAY. I DO THINK HE SHOULD WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE BOWL GAME AND I DO THINK THE BUYOUT SHOULD BE INFORCED. IF THE COACH DECIDES TO LEAVE ON HIS OWN, HE SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THE FULL PRICE TO DO SO.
Posted by: anonymous on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:32 AM
If he leaves who could blame him except all of the wvu fans that blamed him for the lose of games. I say go for it the wvu fans can get over it
Posted by: Stan on Dec 15, 2007 at 12:31 AM
I appreciate you and what you have done. I don't like going through the rigors of you leaving every year so either leave or confirm that you are at WV to stay. I would rather have you but Terry Bowden awaits.
Posted by: c on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:48 PM
IT DONT MATTER IF BIG BIRD IS COACHING WVU THEY WILL BEAT MARSHALL
Posted by: J.R. on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:37 PM
Who cares where he goes. This is HERD country!
Posted by: another fan on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:30 PM
Let's give credit where credit is due. When we were almost there this year did you care that Rich almost left last year? He is an excellent and well-respected coach. If he leaves, are we going to call next year "a rebuilding year?" We will have basically the same talent, minus a couple. Everybody loved him this year - until the last game. Is that his fault alone?
Posted by: brenda on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:29 PM
WAKE UP PEOPLE...college sports has become a CASH COW. The players see nothing but dollars signs trying make to the PROS...getting an education and degree is secondary. It should be no shock that the coaches are playing "shuffle game" in hopes to get the best offer and top dollar coaching jobs. Why are we shocked about Rodriguez is in the game. It's America-dont all families need 4 million plus to live off of??? I am will alway be a dedicated football fans but its time to get back to the "real" reason for college. EDUCATION!!! Whether Rich stays or goes let try to keep the our children focus on what college education really means for their future.
Posted by: Steve on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:24 PM
I hope he does leave! GO SOONERS!!
Posted by: fan on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:20 PM
i have to agree with don. if you haters could swallow your pride, you would agree, too.
Posted by: Dave on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:20 PM
Yet another act of extortion. But WHO CARES? GO HERD!
Posted by: Football man on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:17 PM
I think all you devoted WVU fans should come up with the pay raise Ole Rich is after this time. I am tired of my tax money being used to keep him here. Talking about a loyal alumnus of WVU, Ole Rich is one of a kind. I hope he gets the Michican job, but he better figure out how to beat Ohio State real fast or he won't be there long.
Posted by: g on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:16 PM
what bowl is the herd in?
Posted by: fan on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:14 PM
didn't ohio get in on a fluke?
Posted by: Scott on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:10 PM
I really thought after turning down Alabama last year that he was here for the long haul. Now I'm convinced that he will leave. If not this year, then next. If we can't keep a WVU Alum and former player, we'll never keep anyone.
Posted by: Russ on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:05 PM
I hope he leaves...I only wish WVU would go with him
Posted by: wvu fan on Dec 14, 2007 at 11:00 PM
In case some have forgotten, Rich almost got us to the Championship Game. The team had a major part in the end result, also. I cannot blame any one person. I, too, am upset that we didn't make the big game, but I continue to be proud of them, especially Rich. In the eyes of loyal WVU fans, he is doing something right.
Posted by: Don on Dec 14, 2007 at 10:28 PM
come on people...you're talking about a coqach that makes over a million a year, why wouldn't he talk with other programs if they want to talk? Does that mean he's leaving? NO, but if they offer 2.5 million a year, wouldn't you go talk? Sure you would...don't kid yourelf. Botton line, he's done more for WVU football in the last few years than anyone has done in the last 20 years. PERIOD. What other time did they come down to the last regular season game with a chance to play for the national championship? Rich is a good coach, and you should feel honored that other institutions are shopping him. By the way, a die hard Buckeye fan here, WVU is just a neighbor. If he wanted to leave, he'd be in Alabama now. But sometimes money talks, and a significant pay increase will change people's outlook, or loyalties. Either way..don't act like you'll be glad to see him go, it hasn't been this good at WVU for a LONG time, maybe never. And guess who deserves most of the credit...you got it.
Posted by: Jean on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:22 PM
WHO CARES???? GO HERD!!!!!
Posted by: eugene on Dec 14, 2007 at 09:10 PM
it is the same as with don nehlen wvu cannot win the big game. bye bye richie show your loyalty.
Posted by: Zach on Dec 14, 2007 at 08:21 PM
Please go to Michigan and waste all their talent as well... watch out Michigan here comes the bubble screeen.
Posted by: JK on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:25 PM
Go away Rich. I've had enough of your greed and ego. Go make your money.
Posted by: BOB on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:03 PM
LET HIM GO !!! I DONT WHAT TO GO THREW THIS EVERY YEAR ! LETS GET A COACH THAT WHATS TO BE HERE!
Posted by: WVU TRUE FAN on Dec 14, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Why do we have to go through this every year?? You so called fans who blame the loss on Rich are very wrong!! The loss is just that, a loss. No one can win all the time. The pressure was extreme and Pitt was out for blood. Only losing two games all season is fantastic! I hope you fair weather fans go back to where you came from. I love Rich and the team. He doesn't deserve the bad things you guys are saying. If you are so good, then why aren't you coaching? Immation is the greatest form of flattery. Many many teams are using Coach Rod's spread offense. He is a great coach! He has put togethera team of great players who have respect for each other and their coach. You need to learn from these young men. The team needs to focus on the Fiesta Bowl and not these rumors. Go Mountaineers!! In Rod we trust!!!
Posted by: dave on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:33 PM
Is this how WVU fans treat their team after a loss? Fair weather fans? Thats ok, go back up the hollar you came out of, and in 20 years WVU may make another title run, then you can pull the old dusty blue and gold sweatshirt that says "we were... close" and then cheer like you been there the whole time....
Posted by: Ryan on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:12 PM
It was bad coaching that led to the Pitt loss, don't blame the players for that debacle. GO TO MICHIGAN RICH! I've had enough of your ways. Your not loyal to WVU your loyal to money.
Posted by: s on Dec 14, 2007 at 06:05 PM
He needs to just go ahead and go, so we can find a replacement & move on. If he didn't want the job, he never should have meet with them in the first place.
Posted by: Bob on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Tell me it not so Rich, GOOOOOOOOOOOOO It's a shame to go through this every year, if your looking that hard ......then go. Coaches are not loyal or very honest anymore Bobby Petrino is a prime example, Eddie make the call to Terry Bowden before its too late and RICH$$$$ leaves us hanging, and I think he will.
Posted by: Jeff on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:33 PM
Good riddence!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Confused on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:22 PM
Didn't we go through this a year ago? If he wants to go let him go, but the least hecould do is wait until after the bowl game. Doesn't the team have enough to concentrate on without wondering if they are going to have a coach next year
Posted by: Tim A on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:04 PM
GO GO GO... Enough is enough and if you don't want to be here, take it on brother Rich... Not worthy of anymore WVU Alumni money. Just can never seem to get the job done here. Look out Michigan, won't help you get it done there either! If your offered more money to stay at WVU then this alumni stop donating...
Posted by: Scott Trent on Dec 14, 2007 at 05:04 PM
After the way his team 'choked' against Pitt, I don`t blame him. White and Slaton fold under pressure too often.
Posted by: Mel on Dec 14, 2007 at 04:27 PM
I wouldn't blame him for leaving after the fair weathered fans trashed him for the Pitt loss.
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