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Rodriguez: "The Most Difficult Decision in my Professional Career" Save Email Print
Posted: 2:29 PM Dec 16, 2007
 Last Updated: 5:27 AM Dec 18, 2007
 Reporter: WSAZ & The Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
393 comments Poll
A | A | A

UPDATE 9am Monday
Notes from the 9am introductory press conference:

 
As a WVU fan, do you feel betrayed by Coach Rod?
Yes
No
 

Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin introduced Rodriguez is a person with "strong character who truly cares about his players."

Coach Rich Rodriguez said this was a difficult decision. He said it would take a special opportunity for him to leave WVU and this was it.

Rodriguez said the first year is always difficult no matter where you go, but he thinks this transition will be smooth. Rodriguez said several members of his WVU staff will join him, including Offensive Coordinator Calvin Magee and Tony Gibson, his secondary coach. Rodriguez says they know "our system." He says they are the kind of people any coach would want on their staff.

Rodriguez doesn't want to be a distraction to Michigan as it prepare for its bowl. He has also not spoken with WVU about whether or not to coach the Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl.

Rodriguez said the mayor of Toledo gave him former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler's book last night.

Rodriguez called WVU a "great place." He said many supporters have called and congratulated him and there are some that are upset and will stay so, but he said he hopes that people in West Virginia will look at what he's done in the last seven years and realize he's left it in a good situation. He's excited to be back with his "good friend John Beilein," Michigan's basketball coach who came over from WVU earlier this year.

Rodriguez said some of his workouts will be unpleasant but also fun. He said he knows there are great expectations at UM. He said he'd rather go to a place where they expect success instead of hope to have it.

Rodriguez will go back to Morgantown this afternoon. He plans to talk with Michigan's outgoing coach Lloyd Carr about his plans for returning soon. He will leave it up to Coach Carr as to whether he can attend bowl practice for UM.

Rodriguez said he got three hours of sleep last night, so he feels good. He said his head has been spinning for the last few days.

Rodriguez called it "the most difficult decision I've made in my professional career." He said telling his players at WVU Sunday was the toughest day of his professional career.

Rodriguez said his lawyers are working on his $4 million buyout clause in his contract with WVU. "The money thing was not an issue in this decision," Rodriguez said.

"I'm big on learning the names and them knowing my family's names," Rodriguez said when describing his family atmopshere in coaching.

On the Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry: "It's one of the greatest rivalries in college football," Rodriguez said. He also pointed out other rivalries with Michigan State and Notre Dame. He says that's unique for UM.

Rodriguez described the courting process from UM as very quick. He wouldn't elaborate, because he said it's in the past.

On coaching WVU in the Fiesta Bowl:
I'm a little naive in that situation, but usually the university makes that decision," Rodriguez said. He said it would be uncomfortable and his focus will be on Michigan. UM will allow Rodriguez to coach WVU in the bowl game if possible. He wants his staffers that will be joining him at Michigan to stay and coach the Mountaineers in the bowl.
"I would expect and assume that WVU will have an interim coach for the bowl," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez hopes this is his last job in coaching.
"I will plan to retire here. I'm 44. I don't want to go as long as some of my colleagues," Rodriguez said. He estimated he'd stick at UM for 14 years, including a tongue in cheek reference to coaching his young son at UM beginning in 2017.

On Michigan's tradition:
"Do you have to be a Michigan man to be a Michigan coach? Gosh, I hope not, they hired me. But you have to have great respect and admiration for what they've done in the past and I have that," Rodriguez said.

On Coach Don Nehlen's involvement in the process:
"I talked to Coach (Nehlen) after the initial conversation a little bit," Rodriguez said. He said Nehlen called him twice. He said he's excited for him. He said they'd love it at UM.

On leaving his program at WVU:
"I think the players understand more than some of the general public," Rodriguez said. "It's never easy." Rodriguez says the young men at WVU can handle adversity and will be fine.

Rodriguez said he doesn't have his entire staff in my mind, but he will bring others from WVU. He also wants to interview several of the staff members at UM.

On Recruiting:
Rodriguez said he's already called a handful of recruits that he can't mention by name and he'll call some more. He doesn't believe he'll have to recruit a different type of athlete for UM.

Rodriguez said he had a similiar situation when he was hired at WVU where the Mountaineers were in a bowl game with another coach. He adjusted and plans to do that at UM.

Rodriguez said there were a lot of positive things at WVU that were going on, from the academic center to the locker room. He said the people who supported the program at WVU were unbelievable. He said some of them are his dear friends and are still his dear friends.

On being the third choice for the job (after LSU's Les Miles and Rutgers' Greg Schiano):
"I might have been my wife's third choice too," Rodriguez said. He said he didn't ask and he doesn't care.


UPDATE @ 8:17pm
A top quarterback recruit hinted today he's considering Michigan now that Rich Rodriguez has taken the head coaching job there.

“I just spoke to Coach Rodriguez about 10 minutes ago and he told me he is going to Michigan,” the QB, Terrelle Pryor, told Superprep.com's Bob Lichtenfels. “He said they made him an offer he can't refuse.”

Pryor is from Jeannette, Pa., where he led his high school team to a Class AA state championship. He also told the recruiting site that he wanted to "add Michigan to (his) list." West Virginia had been on the list of schools he is considering.


UPDATE @ 5:50pm
Governor Joe Manchin released a statement Sunday regarding Rich Rodriguez's departure from WVU:

The last seven years that Rich Rodriguez has been football coach at West Virginia University brought great excitement to our fans and tremendous and positive notoriety to our state, and I am truly sad that he has made the decision to move on.

I have known Rich for most of his life, from a boy whose only wish was to play football at WVU to a young man whose only wish was to coach at WVU. His dreams came true, and he brought back with him to West Virginia a love and a loyalty for our state that I thought would never change.

But, unfortunately, over the last two years, I have seen Rich become a victim of a college coaching system driven by high-priced agents that has turned those dreams into just another back-room business deal. Something is wrong with the profession of college coaching today when a leader’s word is no longer his bond, and it does not bode well for the student-athletes who entrust these coaches with their futures.

I wish Rich and his family nothing but the best, but I challenge everyone in our state and across this country to start looking more closely at the system that we’ve allowed these agents to create, because in the end, it serves no one well but them.

I can’t say enough about the WVU fans and financial boosters who have made such tremendous commitments to this football team, and I commend President Garrison and Athletic Director Ed Pastilong for having a program that is truly worthy of the national spotlight. I also trust them and the WVU Board of Governors completely with the coaching search that now lies ahead.

In the meantime, I encourage the people and fans of West Virginia to continue to show their support and respect for our tremendous student-athletes as they prepare to compete in front of a national audience in the Fiesta Bowl.

- Gov. Joe Manchin III


UPDATE @ 4:45pm
From the Associated Press

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia University found itself reeling today from the news that football coach Rich Rodriguez is leaving for the University of Michigan.

Cornerback Vaughn Rivers says it's been a rough day.

Rodriguez informed his players before practice this afternoon.

Rivers said Rodriguez was emotional to the point of tears, but did not elaborate on his decision.

Fullback Owen Schmitt says Rodriguez did all he could for his players and for the university.

Associate head coach Bill Stewart and offensive coordinator Calvin Magee ran the brief practice in Rodriguez's place. But there's no immediate word on who will coach West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

WVU President Mike Garrison says the coaching change will do nothing to lessen the support for the players in Phoenix.


UPDATE @ 3:05pm
From the Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - After a search that took nearly a month, Michigan has hired West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez as its next football coach.

The school plans to introduce Rodriguez at a news conference tomorrow (Monday) morning.

Rodriguez will take over for Lloyd Carr, who announced his retirement November 19th after 13 seasons. Carr plans to coach the Wolverines in the Capital One Bowl on January 1st against ninth-ranked Florida.

Rodriguez has a 60-and-20 record at West Virginia. The eleventh-ranked Mountaineers have gone 10-and-2 this season and will play Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.

His contract at West Virginia runs through the 2013 season and includes a four million-dollar buyout clause.

Michigan also interviewed LSU's Les Miles and Rutgers' Greg Schiano for the job but both coaches decided to stay put at their schools.

It's not the first time a West Virginia coach has bolted for Ann Arbor. Basketball coach John Beilein took over at Michigan last April.


ORIGINAL STORY
WVU Football Coach Rich Rodriguez has announced he's leaving to take the head coaching job at the University of Michigan.

Our sister station, WDTV, is reporting that Rodriguez told his team at a 1:30pm meeting that he's resigning and will take the head coaching job at Michigan.

WSAZ first reported Friday that Rodriguez had taken a private flight to and from Toledo to meet with Michigan officials. When he got off the plan in Morgantown, he only told reporters that he "was going to practice."

During his weekly news conference Saturday, Rodriguez refused to talk about his trip to Toledo, and even threatened to end the news conference prematurely if more questions were asked about that topic.

Rodriguez is replacing Lloyd Carr, who retired in November after being with the Wolverines for 13 years.

Stay with WSAZ.com for more information.
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Posted by: Davud on Dec 19, 2007 at 05:26 PM
You can't blame Rich for taking a HUGE JOB OFFER AT A BIG SCHOOL. Rich made WVU a lot of money. If WVU really wanted to keep him all they had to do was loosen the purse strings. Who among us would not take a job that offered more money. If ANYONE was offered twice their salary or more to do the same job at a place just as nice or better we would ALL TAKE IT. Cut Rich some slack.
Posted by: Chuck on Dec 19, 2007 at 04:17 PM
TO Richard: If you get that job..I hope it's not Secretary work..Your typing sux bud
Posted by: Roger on Dec 19, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Being a Marshall I really feel bad about what Rick Rod did to the WVU fans, being in the Christmas spitit we Marshall fans would like to offer WVU our head coach Mark Snider. PLEASE TAKE HIM!!!!!
Posted by: Chuck on Dec 19, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Do you all remember what Rod's statement was when West Virginia hired him and when Alabama tried to recruit him? "I will retire a Mountaineer" Guess what that is what he said at MU "I am here to retire" I hope his retirement is close because he is not BIG-10 material......GO BUCKS....And I am not even a BUCK Fan...
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 19, 2007 at 12:20 PM
wvu has played no one good at all this year if they are so big and bad play big ten teams you all cry like little girls and are gov is crying gov get real its just a game impeach him now
Posted by: dave on Dec 19, 2007 at 11:37 AM
Why don't you change the name to WVBoo-Hoo.
Posted by: richard on Dec 19, 2007 at 06:32 AM
well see what happens when you all run your mouth rick did not have any reason to leave wva until you all blamed him for loseing the pitt game. the best team in the world can lose a game if they have a bad day.and all of can not stand there and say you whould not do the same thing if you had a good job that payed you 80,000 a year and full benifites and good retrtement and some other co. offered you the same job at a anouther co. for 100,000 and every thing the same that you whould not take it COME ON NOW I KNOW YOU WHOULD BECAUSE i WHOULD
Posted by: ML on Dec 19, 2007 at 01:37 AM
The Opening Statement of this article is funny, “Bill Martin introduced Rodriguez as a person with "strong character who truly cares about his players.” If this strong character person is so compassionate about his players then why leave WV before the most important game? Some of Rodriguez comments refer to making this choice with the help of his family? What about The Mountaineers did they have a say? I think not. However, the voices of mad WV Fans will not change what Rodriguez has done for the football team of WV. Maybe it is better for him to go to UM because he doesn’t seem to have the faith in WV or he would not have said “he’d rather go to a place where they expect success instead of hope to have it.” Maybe this is what the players of WV needs to put a little fire under them to win the fiesta bowl. Yes, they lost a coach; however, they did not lose the talent that is on that team. With great support and love from the fans this team can survive and grow from this experience.
Posted by: Eers Fan on Dec 19, 2007 at 12:55 AM
Poor Uncle Rod...just couldn't pay the bills on 2 million a year. Tell that to the people of WV that have supported you for 7 years!! He once said that coaching WVU was his dream, funny how dreams change when the salaries get bigger. Its all about money folks.
Posted by: BILL on Dec 18, 2007 at 11:51 PM
A very shameful act to say the least. I hope he pays every nickel back to WVU. I will be backing OSU every year and hope they continue to beat MSU every year that they possibily can. I never liked Michigan even before this act of betrayal. Too much of a "we are so great" attitude. Besides, GO HERD!!!!
Posted by: jp on Dec 18, 2007 at 10:43 PM
to Real Herd Fan: Whatever you are on I want some of it. You are totally ignorant if you think that Marshall (with it's C-USA) schedule would ever compare to WV's schedule. GET a life you need it.
Posted by: tommy on Dec 18, 2007 at 08:44 PM
he threw the Pitt game!!! To benefit Mich to get to the Rose bowl? Think about it.
Posted by: NO! NO! NO! on Dec 18, 2007 at 08:16 PM
It seems Rodriguez by accepting a job in Ann Arbor has announced he is in favor of violating the American's with disabilities act. Hey Michigan - you ought to be spending your $4 million on complying with the American's With Disabilities Act. Unless of course, your Office of General Counsel's Gloria Hage is so desperate for litigation that she expects him to sue for breech of employment contract when he Rodriguez realizes his been duped into coming to a school where there is no football team because there is no football stadium. Get a life Mr. Rodriguez --- but not here in Michigan. We U.S. Veterans - -make that "WE THE PEOPLE" don't need your brand of smoke and mirrors. The only bowl Michigan will be playing in - whether or not you come - is the toilet bowl.
Posted by: DB on Dec 18, 2007 at 06:42 PM
He needs to change his name to Rich Rodleaveus.
Posted by: PittHappens on Dec 18, 2007 at 06:22 PM
This just in...After a devastating 52-7 loss to Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl last year...Marshall drives the dagger in the heart of Morgantown in the 2008 Coal Bowl leaving WVU to pick up the pieces wondering where to go from here.
Posted by: Tater Hater on Dec 18, 2007 at 06:21 PM
What's that in the distance? The glow of smoldering couches which have been soaked with Mountaineer "fan" tears. You people are crazy; first you want him fired after you couldn't get to the title game with the easiest schedule known to man, then you whine and holler when he rolls out. Hurry and jump on the next bandwagon that comes around you fair-weather fans.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 18, 2007 at 04:38 PM
GET OVER IT!!! IT'S ONLY FOOTBALL!!!! LIFE STILL GOES ON!!
Posted by: Derek on Dec 18, 2007 at 04:37 PM
I can understand taking the prestige and bigger money, but it really stinks to leave your team before the bowl game.
Posted by: WVU fan on Dec 18, 2007 at 04:16 PM
It wouldn't be so bad if he had done this differently. I can understand the opportunity of taking a struggling team and turning it around like he did with WVU when he came here. But to think about leaving last year and getting more money and staying; then doing the same thing this year - come on coach! And what a bad time to leave. We may not be playing for the national title game, but it is a BCS game. How disheartening to the players!! I agree with the govenor when he said coaches need to be treated like players when they transfer schools - maybe they should sit out a season.
Posted by: M.C on Dec 18, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Rich, we have friends for 7 years and as You know I have beeen an ardent supporter both mentally as well as financially during that time. I must say that I have never been fooled this way before, I'm happy the horse is out of the barn and I see him in the daylight. I simply can't beleive your lack of honesty and integrity. I hope nobdy else belives you when you "give your word" on anything. Our families have broken bread together on many ocassions, and you sttop to this, for the almighty dollar and speak of your alma mater as if it is dead! Good luck my past friend. I'll call you should I have a need to be lied to!
Posted by: Real Herd Fan on Dec 18, 2007 at 03:28 PM
What a great day for Marshall! WVU's coach leaving them just before their bowl game! They will never be able to find another coach of such class, character, and integrity. No doubt, we will win against them in Morgantown next year- we'll probably beat then 163 to 0! In fact, I say we will win all our remaining games in the series with them! By then, we will have won a Division I National Championship- maybe even several, back to back! THEN WE WILL BE PROCLAIMED AS THE GREATEST UNIVERSITY OF ALL TIME, AND MILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD WILL WANT TO FILL OUR NEW 125,000 SEAT STADIUM, WHICH WILL SELL OUT EVERY YEAR! THEN WE'LL BE THE GREATEST COLLEGE IN ALL OF (collapses on the floor, eyes rolling back, frothing at the mouth.)
Posted by: mingofan on Dec 18, 2007 at 01:22 PM
don't tear down my house to build someone else a new one ,then say you care about people,go best of luck to ohio state!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:33 PM
All I have to say is this was a great choice one Rich's part. Seriously....it's Michigan personally I would take the job considering that 4 million buy out that they will have to pay WVU they make in concessions in one game. Sure Alabama is a Top Tier football program with a great history and he didn't leave for them, but it's not Michigan. If I were a WVU fan I wouldn't want someone with the lack of character that Rich has to lead my team. I give him 3 years at Michigan before they ship him off for a "Michigan Man". He might as well get paid while he can.
Posted by: griff on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:33 PM
take mark snyder with ya now maybe Wvu will win more with a real coach
Posted by: mu fan on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:13 PM
It seems that WVU has no leadership for a coach to act as RR has without outrage about breaking rules in talking with other schools without out letting the know. We will send you Mark Synder and the coachs he fired this what you desereve. e.
Posted by: Dan on Dec 18, 2007 at 11:50 AM
All you WVU fans that are criticizing Rich need to wake up!! If you were given the opportunity that he has been given you would take it too. Get over it! He is moving on!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 18, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Come on, 'EERs....show him that you can do it better WITHOUT him! Win that Bowl Game and rub it in his face!!! We're all counting on you!!!
Posted by: Chuck on Dec 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Yes, I feel that Rich betrayed not only us as fans but West Virginia as a whole..Does he really care about the players? NOT, if he did he would not be worried about making MONEY and stayed with his Alma Mater as he stated when Alabama tried to get him. So, Did he reall care about his Alma Mater? NO, Ask yourself, How could he? Now it makes one wonder if the team got wind of this decision prior to the Pitt game, not saying that is the reason they got embarrased, Maybe the so called Coach Rod really didn't care because he knew he was leaving. I also wonder if the University knew about this? They said that Michigan didn't have permission to talk to him but they did it. Are they going to do anything about that? Like make him pay the 4.5 million back. I am sure the University can use the money. Two things to say to you Rod..#1 Go BUCKS, #2 When you leave don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you. You are a traitor.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 18, 2007 at 09:49 AM
I have about had it with all the so-called Michigan Fans saying that WVU is a 2nd tier team and that if they played a Big10 Schedule WVU would lose Big Time. Well I have seen Michigan win Big Time. Rod is an excellent coach an will probaly win at UM. So for all you so called wolverine fans out there bashing WVU just remember if it wasn't for us you wouldn't have a Basketball or Football coach.
Posted by: Susan on Dec 18, 2007 at 09:45 AM
People in WV are so mad over the Coach, but the coach isn't the one who puts the pads on & takes the hits. The coach isn't the one who is there for and education. The players are the ones on the field, they are the ones who play the game not "Richy Rich". The quarterback is the leader on & off the field, let him lead the guys in the Fiesta Bowl, who better knows the offense. We shouldn't put our "faith" in the coach, but lavish it on the players, they are the ones out there. So what if "Richy Rich" left WVU, he isn't WVU, the students are WVU. Forget how insulted you feel, forget the betrayal, and show the players, the students that one make can't make or break a school. The students are the backbone, the heart and brain of the university. That goes for both Marshall & WVU. Instead of being at each others throat, Marshall needs to be reaching out to WVU and saying, "We Are ....here for you"...
Posted by: mel on Dec 18, 2007 at 09:37 AM
look at it this way...we all now have 2 favorite teams. WVU and who ever is playing Michigan
Posted by: Jordan on Dec 18, 2007 at 08:27 AM
I feel like Rich Rodriguez lied to us the whole time. He SHOULD have just left last year and we would be better off now. How do you leave your team, you built for 7 years before the biggest game they have ever faced. That right there shows me that Rich Rodriguez is has no respect for anyone else but himself. Im glad he's gone.
Posted by: dave on Dec 18, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Most of you are missing the point why he left. He is going to Michigan because it's Michigan. Sorry to tell you, but WVU is not a top tier program. He obviously didn't think as highly of WVU as he does of Michigan or he wouldn't have called Michigan a special place. Just accept the fact that while you have a good program in place, the history and national championships are not there as they are with Michigan. Plus, you want to talk about loyalty? I'd like to know how many of you were fans of his after you lost the Pitt game and wanted him to get fired or quit. Now that he's gone don't cry about it.
Posted by: DANNY on Dec 18, 2007 at 07:23 AM
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ON THE OTHER END WVU FANS? THIS IS THE SAME THING WVU DID TO KANSAS ST. WITH BOB HUGGINS AND I DIDN'T HEAR YOU CRYING ABOUT THAT!!!
Posted by: annonymous on Dec 18, 2007 at 07:08 AM
GOOD BYE ... DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU ON YOUR WAY OUT
Posted by: wvufan4ever on Dec 18, 2007 at 07:03 AM
it was not about more money. he decided over a year ago he was not happy here. what he should be ashamed of is trying to get slayton to go with him and taking magee and gibson as well. i dont care what his lawyers say but because of that and trying to shaft us when he goes he should be forced to pay us the $4 million dollars!
Posted by: Bubba on Dec 18, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Hit the Road Rich, and don't ya come back, no more, no more, no more, no more. Hit the Road Rich, and don't ya come back no more...........
Posted by: Josh on Dec 18, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Well as for the ppl talking about they would leave their jobs for more money,,welll that aint the case to us he lied saying he was here to stay,,he lied when he said he would retire at wvu last year,,I think the pitt game was tainted so he wouldnt have to compete for the national championship,and if he made it to thier then he would have to stay at wvu,,Everyone inside this state asks their self everygame why dont they go to schmit,,why aint devine playing week in a and week out,,
Posted by: Always a WVU Fan on Dec 18, 2007 at 04:05 AM
I will always bleed blue and gold. And I am sure, that given the opportunity for more money and the betterment of myself, I would have left too. But, come one...if he really was the man that he PROFESSES to be, he would have told Michigan to hold off til after the Fiesta Bowl. That was the RIGHT thing to do. I can't blame him for leaving, but, his timing and the way that he handled it leaves a sour taste in all TRUE Mountaineer fans. Through good games and bad, the TRUE fans will still be there. Let's GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Mountaineers!!! We will prevail again
Posted by: Jason on Dec 18, 2007 at 02:01 AM
I'm Ann Arbor raised... and I have agreed for some time that Michigan needed a new direction. So many people who wanted that new direction are going to be thrilled... but I am somehow left with a bad taste in my mouth. It sure doesn't seem right that Michigan should be stealing this coach from his Alma Mater to come to Michigan. And it doesn't seem right that someone would leave their Alma Mater for a bit more money and a higher profile position. The WV Rodriguez family home is probably quite nice... and I can't imagine that he was having trouble paying the electric bill on the salary he was making... I think Joe Paterno is still quite comfortable with his "pitiful" sub $600k salary. If Rodriguez is still the Michigan coach in 15 years, I'll take it all back, but from what I hear and read, the "loyalty" that he speaks of pales in comparison to the Loyalty that we have received from Lloyd Carr over the past 28 years. Good luck, WVU fans... and wish us luck, too.
Posted by: Kathy on Dec 18, 2007 at 12:45 AM
Michigan Athletic Director Bill Martin said Rodriguez is a person with "strong character who truly cares about his players." Wonder what he smoked for breakfast. The press conference from this morning also states that Rodriguez doesn't want to be a distraction to Michigan as it prepares for its bowl. That’s really kind of funny, did he care what he did to the guys at WVU that poured their hearts into believing in him. Way to go Rod, you really let an entire state down. Hope you have a very unmerry Christmas.
Posted by: jeremy on Dec 17, 2007 at 11:16 PM
as far as im concern good rithens i hope you enjoy losing to APP. State every year and as for you you can move and never come back to wv .... by the way i hope michigan enjoys you losing every big game just like you choked against pitt ... and for steve slaton takin up for him ... yeah he gave you a chance but all in all he turned his back on you only reason he didnt leave you last year is because he figured you could get him a national championship so when he left he could get a bigger job rich rod says he loves wv well wv does not love him and he can go get beat by 1-AA schools and ohio state for the rest of his career and when he gets fired from michigan in about 3 years i am going to be there laughing every moment and when he trys to come back to wvu i hope the AD doesnt even allow him withing a 1,000 feet withing the campus ... good luck eers take down those sooners
Posted by: Brian on Dec 17, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Coach Rod should be hauled out of West Virginia and never allowed to return,after all it was only a year ago that his contract was extended and he said he would not leave 'his' school,as WVU fans we really like his LOYALITY,I hope he falls on his worthless face at UM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: April on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Someone should have taught him to finish what he started. He should have at least coached the team in their bowl game, instead of bolting to Michigan. His heart was already in Ann Arbor. Its amazing how his loyalty shifted so quickly. The team and the fans deserved better! Nothing like jumping ship before a bowl game. Coaches leave, but the fans are with you all the way..GO MOUNTAINEERS!
Posted by: Greg on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:47 PM
i was born and raised in wv. im a die-hard michigan fan. this is a great thing! i can't wait till next year! coaching is a job and in a career you don't stop till you get to the top. WVU is a second tear school. He is moving up by going to UM. that job like ohio state texas and usc are some schools that you either finish there or go pro. its a job and he is a good coach. god bless you rod it will be great to know that a WV boy is at the helm of the maze and blue!
Posted by: Kris on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:42 PM
How does a coach tell everyone a year ago that WVU is his home and where he will retire and then a year later.....SOLD OUT! I hate PITT now worse than ever. I know RICH got us on the national scene (and I am thankful) but this shady deal leaves me with the same feeling I have about the PITT game. I feel like I have been punked! I never thought I would ever say this but I might purchase a ND shirt to wear once a year. HAIL WEST VIRGINIA U!!!!!!! and GOOD RIDENS SELL OUT. In closing I phrase the words of my good friend Ben "As always Go Mountianeers!!!"
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:29 PM
I can't blame the man for leaving. Why would you want to stay somewhere were the fans are so inconsiderate. He didn't lose the Pitt game the fans and players did. Good Luck Rich Rod Best of Luck to you and Your Family. GO WOLVERINES
Posted by: bill on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:28 PM
You would leave WVU also to coach UM. Name one good team WVU plays every year? Name a good team in the Big East? The Big East in football, is just plain bad. The Big Ten has better teams, and schools that can pay the BIG MONEY!! Neat year he will play teams like Ohio State, Penn St, Notre Dame and so on.... Who does WVU play????? Nobody!!
Posted by: Boomer on Dec 17, 2007 at 10:17 PM
It doesn't matter who the WVU coach is, they don't stand a chance against Oklahoma. Go Sooners!!!
Posted by: Rose on Dec 17, 2007 at 09:50 PM
Who really cares?
Posted by: Fred on Dec 17, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Why doesn't WVU Offer the head coach position to Coach McGee and then Coach Gibson would not feel he has to go with rod to MI to avoid possibly being let go by the new WVU coach. rod was not the Back Labor behind the team...it was the other coaches. We have to keep our strenthing coach. He has also done great things for the team. May the powers that be see this and do everything possible to keep him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Who cares. Go Navy!
Posted by: Becky on Dec 17, 2007 at 08:53 PM
I decided to look up the definition of a Wolverine and had a really good laugh when it said the Wolverine is from the Weasel family...I think Coach Rod just might fit in perfectly there!! WVU fan4life
Posted by: Fred on Dec 17, 2007 at 08:35 PM
If the AD doesn't clear the coach out of the team area asap, maybe Ed should go along with him.
Posted by: Smitty on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:51 PM
Life will go on and WVU will prevail...we have a great team coming back.Some of the same guys who won the Sugar Bowl and the Gator Bowl last year. As for OSU being a winner, how about those Gators. And as for Marshall beating us next year. One word, SNYDER!
Posted by: Robert on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:46 PM
I just looked at the wsaz.com poll,60% for Terry Bowden. Terry Bowden, I guess, is the choice of heart. While, Coach Rich Rod had a very sucessful tenure here and I am very thankful about that, he left his state for the "better job". Whether you like the way he left or not, I believe he took the program as far as he could. It is time now, not to vote (or hire) a new coach on heart. It is time to pick the best candidate to take us to the next level, a NATION CHAMPIONSHIP! That is the reason I believe the next coach should be Doc Holiday. He has the resume at Florida to do just that and also he is from WV. P.S. While we're at it, lets get rid of that awful 3-3-5 defense.
Posted by: Trina on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:26 PM
Im so glad that Rod put the welfare of the kids ahead of his own needs for this special bowl game.....yeah right! glad he showed his true colors
Posted by: Tim on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:16 PM
I ripped up an autograph picture of coach Rodirguez. Threw it away in the trash I seen on tv a mountaineer fan burn an autograph football.
Posted by: jamie on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:07 PM
a modern day judas has betrayed our state for a few pieces of silver. after the university gave a 70% increase in sallary and made the demanded upgrades he still left the Mountaineers .this person (not a man) is not worthy of the title west virginian. he turned his back on us and the values that seperate us from the rest of this money hungry , greedy country.
Posted by: HD on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:03 PM
Lloyd is right on the mark, can't blame RR. I might just move to Michigan myself.
Posted by: HOPEFUL on Dec 17, 2007 at 07:02 PM
It's time we stop worshiping the man and realize he is just that, a man. No one is worth that much money. When the leaders look at money only the end result will be the same disappointment. Now is the time to look ahead and start supporting those young men who make up the TEAM. Not one man, but the TEAM. These kids deserve better and we can help make this easier by showing our support. Now lets forget that man and move on. He's not worth it.
Posted by: Frank on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:54 PM
Well, I might as well throw my 4 cents in on this one! If I was the coach of WVU and this opportunity came available to me, I would definitely leave WVU and head to Michigan cause more money is there and resources. I think Rod done a good thing. Now onto the search for our new coach??? Terry Bowden? We dont want him, He isnt proven much over the years, or he wouldnt be a tv analyst now!
Posted by: Clarence on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:53 PM
Rich hasn't been able to pull out the big wins anyway, he has been out coached more than once look at the Pitt game, then accept a job before a big bowl game. I hate that him leaving will hurt recruitment for WVU, but we are a lot better without him. WVU doesn't need a coach that is looking for the next best thing.
Posted by: Matt on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:44 PM
So if you have a job working for your longtime friend making $10./hr., and another job offered you $20/hr. doing the same thing, you would turn it down??? Either your lying or stupid if you said you would turn it down.
Posted by: Toby on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:40 PM
First, let me state that I am a fan of both schools, but my heart is wrapped in Maize and Blue. When I first started hearing the news on Friday that he was talking to Michigan, I was shocked. I truly didn't believe he would do it again...not two years in a row, but he did. As for Michigan, I'm not sure we're ready for the changes Rich Rod will bring to Ann Arbor, but he must realize the pressure that will be put on him to win. Michigan's history proves they expect to win and he stated in his press conference this morning. He is taking over a program with the best winning percentage in college football history and has a lot to prove in his first year...to include a challenging run through the Big Ten with the biggest rivaly in all of sports on the line at the end of the season.
Posted by: paula on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:37 PM
With every thing that is going on in the world today who cares if coach for some football team changes jobs. I think that there are much more important things to worry and report about the economy and the war in iraq just to name two. Every one that is no "upset" about this needs to realize that this is just a game. So grow up and get a life.
Posted by: david on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:33 PM
i think he is a trader and has hert the state and the kids that looked up to him and the onley thing i can say is go o.s.u
Posted by: Mike on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:30 PM
99% of the people on here would leave their current job for more money elsewhere if given the opportunity, and the other 1% are would be lying if they said they wouldn't. As for leaving now, what was he supposed to do??? Wait till after the Bowl game and announce it???? If he does that he loses out on potential recruits for Michigan and WVU loses out on some potential coaching candidates.
Posted by: the world is not over on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:24 PM
remember he is leaving, the world didn't stop spinning. WVU, with team and fans is still vibrant, a coach is only as good as his best players!
Posted by: KEN on Dec 17, 2007 at 06:20 PM
WHY DOES MARSHALL KEEP COMING UP IN THIS? THIS IS ALL ABOUT WVU NOT MARSHALL, AS ALWAYS THE WVU FANS DOES NOT PASS UP A CHANCE TO PUT DOWN THE MARSHALL FANS. I LIKE WVU AND MARSHALL AND OTHER THEN PICKING YOUR FAVORITE TEAM FOR THAT GAME YOU SHOULD HOPE THAT THEY WIN ALL THERE GAMES. YOU CAN'T BLAME A COACH FOR LEAVING FOR MORE MONEY AS MOST PEOPLE (AT LEAST 95%)WOULD DO. YOU WORK TO MAKE A LIVING NOT JUST TO KILL TIME, SO WHY NOT MAKE THE MOST YOU CAN, BESIDES HOW EMBARRESSING IS IT THAT YOUR(QUOTE/UNQUOTE)FANS WANT TO BURN THW TOWN DOWN AFTER EVERY (BIG) GAME?
Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:58 PM
you know rod says that he is going to leave all the time maybe we will win if another coach is here
Posted by: Mark on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:51 PM
Hey, I hear Wv needs a head coach and we got one here at Marshall so I think tradeing them Mark Snyder for a couple of good janitors. If that doesn't work out then a decent lawns keeper for our football field would be my second choice think it over...... Mark Snyder is just what Wv needs!!!
Posted by: Eveett on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:48 PM
Julie, if Terry Bowden loves West Virginia, then why has he chosen to live in Orlando,Florida?
Posted by: Melinda on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:37 PM
I was angry at first. Now I am just sad. We don't know the whole story and will never know. I can't hate him. I have watched him and loved watching him coach since he came to WVU. I think he knew something at the Pitt game cuz he didnt coach like he always does. Something wasn't right. I am also going to say this to Dale....no I wouldn't have left because I don't think money is everything. I have morals and values and I will not compromise them for any reason. However, I can only speak for me. I am ashamed that so called WVU fans ridiculed Rich and his family. He has little kids! Imagine how that must be scaring them!!! Don't stoop to that level. I am angry too, but I wouldn't want anything to happen to him or his family. I hope he is happy with his decision. Maybe he isn't a true mountaineer. Governor Manchin is right, the money has become too important. I am so disheartened with college ball. I dont know if I can stand to watch anymore.
Posted by: Kt on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:35 PM
Also, was it really necessary for Gov. Manchin to distribute a press release? Seriously, this is college football. Last time I checked he has no say so in collegiate coaching, and I personally don't care about his opinion on the subject. Surely there are more important issues that he should be worrying about rather than Rodriguez.
Posted by: Christopher on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:13 PM
I was not surprised about the decision he made about going to Michigan. Now these days, it's not about committment, it's about the money. I have been a mountaineer fan for years, and I really hate to see The Rodriguez family leave, but you got to do what you got to do. Just because of the upsetting about coach leaving, I'm still a Mountaineer, and I am proud of it! I wish the Rodriguez family well, and good luck in Michigan! GO MOUNTAINEERS!!! I have two words for Coach Rodriguez "Gold Digger"!
Posted by: WOODY on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:08 PM
OHIO STATE HAS PICKED UP MANY NEW FANS...
Posted by: Patty on Dec 17, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Last year I bought a "got rich" 't-shirt. Since I needed a new doormat, it is now placed outside my front door and everyone must pay special attention to wipe thier feet befor entering! That's how I feel about it!
Posted by: karen on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:52 PM
As a WVU fan I am total disappointed in Coach Rodriguez he calls WVU home. I have been gone from the state over 20 years now in the state of NC but, if you drive up to my driveway you will see the BIG WV flag flying high and proud on the days we do well on the days we do not do well. I drive a car that has WVU #1 from when we went to the national championship...we did not win but, I am still proud. I wonder how he will sleep knowing you did not only let down young men at a University but a whole state and people outside that state that are still WVU fans because when you are born a WVU Mountaineer more than most of us died a Mountaineer...to the young men at that UNIVERSITY please know that you are the heart and soul of WEST VIRGINIA right now please give us hope that you are more honorable than your coach and that true blue and gold runs deep in your souls. We need to know there is just and upright men still holding the torch to make WVU university a beacon on a hill....Thanks
Posted by: WVU Fan on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:45 PM
Okay, people enough garbage talk. How about this scenario. WVU going for a national championship wasn't going to bring in the money for the big boys in Vegas (or wherever) so some higher ups send a message - Rodriguiz, lose the game to Pitt. Did you notice how many times Pat White kept trying to get back into the game in the 2nd half? There was also pressure not to play Steve Slaton as well. (Of course, that was probably his agent telling him you had better not play, you might get hurt!) Slaton already declared his eligibility in the NFL draft for next year. In most games, WVU would start off slow but always rallied at the end. Maybe, Rodriguiz lost all respect for the administration and the program (not the players) after being put in that situation. Then, again...maybe not! The opportunity to go to another level opened and he took it. Good luck at Michigan...
Posted by: anonymous on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Bring Don Nehlen back to coach the Fiesta Bowl. and hmmmm I wondered the same thing if he lost that pitt game on purpose also.
Posted by: Hurshel on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:20 PM
I at one time thought that Rich R's word was his character and bond to the state and WVU, boy was I wrong, anyway I guess in the final analysis it's not about coaching, it's about money. Being an alumni of WVU I will support them no matter what something their coach would not do.
Posted by: Julie on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:10 PM
TERRY BOWDEN is our man! He loves West Virginia and the Mountaineers. He is a seasoned head coach, national TV and radio analyst and WVU graduate. Terry was the first head coach in Division 1A to lead his squad to an undefeated season in his first year at Auburn -- using the same team that had a losing season just the year before! He can do that for us, too. In 1993, he was named National Coach of the Year and took the Tigers to three post-season bowl games. As a football analyst, Terry probably watches more play films on college football in one day than most coaches do in a week. Terry knows what it takes -- he's played the game, studied the game, and coached the game -- HE IS OUR MAN! As a WVU graduate, (magna cum laude, no less) and player, Terry loves the Mountain State and could lead our Mountaineers into the best team the Big East has ever seen. Terry will be able to create his own dynasty here in almost heaven West Virginia. Get that boy here!!! Yell it from the hilltops -- Terry has a dream and we need to help him fulfill it. Then we can ALL get what we want. Isn't it about time West Virginia gets the best and brightest star? WE WANT TERRY!
Posted by: R.Stanley on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:07 PM
This is a complete outrage!! I cannot believe Rich left @ this stage. I blame Julio Vasquez or he at least had some part in this decision.
Posted by: Jerry on Dec 17, 2007 at 04:01 PM
Bob Huggins will help us forget Beilien, As our next football coach will help us forget Rodriguez. Rodriguez's comment that WVu doesn't expect a great football prgram copared to Michigan. Remember, Michigan..he told WVU the same thing about coaching at WVU until he retires. Must not have been that tough a decision to 'leave' as you left the team and fans hanging right in the middle of a bowl game.For a coach to call WVU recruits and ask them to come to Michigan is as low class as you can get.Not onlt does he lie to WVU and the players after being recruited by Alabama, his intent is to destroy the football program. No one, would leave a football program as successful as WVU in the middle of preparing for a bowl game unless you have no Integrity. Apparently, Rodriguez has none and cared more about the MONEY then what WVU has done for him. Don Nehlen couldn't get a job in the Big, so I guess Rodriguez will fulfill his dream. Wonder what Nehlen was offered for Rodriguez to leave?
Posted by: Jasmine on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:59 PM
Well Rich doesn't deserve to be the coach of WVA so they are better off without him. When someone takes a contract and breaches it then they don't need to have any respect he's a jerk and will remain a jerk he's going to do the same to Michigan when something better comes along for him. He does not deserve to be a coach anywhere. And to the 2 poster's who called wva hillbillies and hill jacks there is no reason for that comment when posting on a public site try and be respectful.
Posted by: chuck on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:52 PM
You know what I call Rich Rod leaving WVU? A good start. Now if we could just get the rest of those classless hacks out of our state along with the University of Southern Pennslyvania whose population is already 51% PA, NJ, etc... out of our state this might become a pretty good place to live without having to look at that nasty blue and yeller crap everywhere. Face it USPAM your 15 minutes are over.
Posted by: William Giacomo on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:48 PM
In West Virginia, his name will forever be Benedict Arnold. May he get his brains beat out at Michigan. I never thought I would be for Ohio State. May all teams beat Michigan.
Posted by: Mike on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:38 PM
"Difficult Decision"? Don't make me laugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lloyd on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:37 PM
Lets see here. Student Body Prez busted for DUI. Fans throw items on the field during a national tv game. Band members get barred from Fiesta Bowl. Number 1 party school ranking. Fans heckle coach at half time of the WVU-Marshall game. Fans threatend to kill the kicker after Pitt game. Morgantown looks like a third world country after a home game. Fans heckle coach as he gets on a plane to Michigan. In the words of Tom Burgundy "Stay Classy Morgantown!"
Posted by: ME on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:35 PM
IT WAS THE HARDEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE. PLEASE....HOW HARD IS IT TO SELL OUT YOUR COLLEGE? FRIENDS? FELLOW COACHES? HOW HARD WAS IT TO SIGN THAT CONTRACT? HOW HARD WILL IT BE TO CASH THAT FINAL CHECK FROM WVU? GIVE ME A FREAKIN BREAK. OK---STOP REPORTING ABOUT MICHIGANS NEW COACH. RICH IS THE PAST....MOVE ON!
Posted by: biggen on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:26 PM
i think the pitt game was through. but i think pat white probably through it
Posted by: Biggen on Dec 17, 2007 at 03:07 PM
EVERYBODY NEED TO QUIT HATIN ON RODRIGUEZ. HE DID WHAT HE HAD TO DO. WHICH WAS LEAVE HILLBILLYS AND YOUR MOONSHINE IN MORGANTOWN AND MOVE ON TO BIGGER AND BETTER THINGS. He was proabably embarrased b.c. of what happened up in Logan COunty a couple of months ago
Posted by: Moosette on Dec 17, 2007 at 02:58 PM
This is in respo