With the departure of Rich Rodriguez from West Virginia to Michigan, it's very easy to compare how Rodriguez handled his departure compared to how the cowardly Petrino handled his change of scenery. Let's take a look...
Addressing his players.
Rodriguez was a man. He faced his team, looked them in the eye this past Sunday and informed them of his decision. Petrino left a letter in each player's locker letting them know he was leaving town.
Player reaction.
While it may be unfair to compare between college kids and pros, you don't hear words like coward or disloyal coming from West Virginia players. You don't hear anger in the tones of voices of the Mountaineers. Falcon players were irate, and when Warrick Dunn calls out the coach, you know something is wrong. One of the Mountaineers said that he was a man about it.
Being straight up
Rodriguez was grilled by the media regarding the reports. Instead of going Nick Saban and saying he won't be the head coach at Michigan, he simply refused to talk about it. Despite the constant prodding during that press conference, Rodriguez simply refused to comment. Petrino, reportedly told his owner in the recent days prior to going Bob Irsay on the Falcons said he was in it for the long haul. He looked his boss in the face, and lied.
I think Michigan made an excellent choice. They are bringing in a guy who will put in a type of offense you don't see in the Big 10, and you've seen Big 10 teams struggle with the spread offense. Simply look at last year's BCS title game and Michigan's first two games. Ohio State simply couldn't handle the spread, and Oregon simply beat on Michigan like a rented mule, not to mention the App State upset. Once Rodriguez gets his guys in there, they could very well have the speed to simply dominate the Big 10, and bring that conference into the 21st century.
If Arthur Blank had allowed Arkansas to talk to Petrino then there would not have been such an abrupt ending in Atl. But with a ZERO buyout in his contract and an owner who claims he knew nothing sgt Shults about his star players criminal empire,was this really a surprise? Petrino took a 2 million $ pay cut
Maybe RR was more polite about it,but leaving a bunch of college kids that you recruited and made promises to before one of the most important games in WVA history(his alma mater) to take a job for more $ and prestige, are you kidding me? Those PRO players are paid alot of $ by Arthur Blank, do you expect them to disagree with their boss who could send them packing in a heartbeat
When Petrino was asked by the owner, he told him he was thinking about going back to college. Blank claims he addressed his concerns and Petrino agreed to stay. Do you think that bad loss on TV might have changed his mind? Truth is, neither situation was handled pefectly but I can't see letting RR off the hook unless you buy into ESPN's ( sponsored by HOME DEPOT) BS
Last edited by HossHog on December 19th at 6:17 AM.
How can you call the way he handled this repsectful...he had a GRAD ASSISTANT hand his resignation to the Athletic Director. He addressed the team but refused to talk to the administration. Rodrigues is a piece of #### and should never expect to come back to the place he lovingly calls "home". Hope he freezes up there!
Yeah, Rodriquez showed pure class in the way that he left. Less than a year ago, he signs an 8 year contract. Then he sets up a secret interview with Michigan. Accepts the job. Resigns without making any personal contact with his AD or University President. Does so less than 3 weeks before his team is to play Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. Also takes his offensive coordinator. Leaves his team in total disarray. And now the top recruits that were considering WVU are looking at Michigan. Yeah, pure class man. Now, would you please pull the knife out of WVU's back?
Rodriguez has never had a good relationship with the 'powers that be' at WVU. It took the Alabama thing just to get them off their butts to give him and his staff more money and resources. I'm not surprised if he didn't communicate with them. Business is business, good luck Rich and lets start a new chapter at WVU.
I wish all of these WVU b.i.t.c.ches would quit moaning and groaning about it. The man left....he left on good terms with his players and did not secretly talk to michigan as they asked for permission to talk with him and it was granted. I'm a longhorns fan but already looked into this and it was done the right way. WVU opted for him to go ahead and leave instead of him coaching them in the big game he got them to. Your looking at a coach that wants to up his game and that will just not happen at WVU until they start playing alot more tough teams.
Rodreiguez still gave his team the shaft. If West Virginia is playing for the National Title right now, is there even a chance this happens? No way. During and after losing to Pitt, he looked like he was passing kidney stone after his dog had died. It was just obvious how big of a personal blow it was to him. Maybe he just thought this is the ceiling for what I can do at West Virginia, even though they been to just as many BCS Bowls as Michigan. He walked out on his team before a big bowl game after signing a big extension last year. Rodreiguez might have handed it better then Petrino, but that is not saying at all, because Petrino handled it the worst way possible.
This "class act" went behind WVU's back to talk to Michigan about the coaching job. I am not a WVU fan, but have always respected the way they do things the right way. No NCAA violations and very down to earth. I think WVU and it's fans should be glad to be rid of a snake like Rodriguez. Just because you tell a bunch of kids what a dirty move you are going to make still doesn't make it right. By the way, isn't the "class act" trying to get out of the buy out he agreed to? YEA...REAL RESPECTABLE
Are you kidding me dude......just check that as well.....michigans been to 34 bowls only 5 of which were december 31st or before. 17 of those were rose bowl appearences! haha WVU doesn't compare to a program with that kinda history.
Shame on those in WV who are involved in this and have now turned their backs on someone they worshiped, in a matter of 2 days. There isn't a person alive who would continue to work for a company who gave them false promises and treated them badly, if they didn't have to. It has been said by virtually everyone that the administration treats RR like ####. There isn't a person alive who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to advance their career and provide more financial stability for their family if they could. This is not the first coach to take a different job, and it certainly won't be the last. At least he made his move quietly and has not spoken badly of the university or of the state, although they are both dogging him as much as possible. It is ridiculous that we live in America, the land of opportunity, and this man is shunned for taking an opportunity. Shame on you West Virginian's. Why would anyone want to come to your state and coach your team after this mess? Good luck in finding a good coach, no one will want to deal with this ####.
There were no false promises given to Rod. He wanted the power to determine how much of the athletic association money went to the football program and exactly how it would be used. Usually, that job goes to the Athletic Director. Rod didn't like being told no, so he left--and had a student deliver his resignation to his boss. Class act.
Shop girl, where exactly are you from. I'm a third geneation WVU alumnus and live in South Carolina and even the people in this area think what he did was low! We loved that he won games, but we did not worship him! I have friends who hold season tickets and most of them couldn't stand RR...he was well know as a jerk. Stop defending him..what he did to the players, the Alumni and the admin just showed his true character. Good luck Michigan you'll need it.
I live in WV and am a WVU fan . . . second. My first team has always been Michigan. I think that it is awfully easy for everyone to make judgments without knowing the details and background. Without confirmation from either Rich Rod or WVU, we'll never really know what happened. I think that is speaks volumes that the players at WVU have not had anything bad to say about Rich Rod. If the players are okay with it, then so should everyone be. What I do know is that Rich Rod has accepted a position at a first class university - who would, in their right mind, pass up an opportunity to coach the Wolverines in the Big House? I think all of us in WV should thank Rich for what he has done for the program (as we did Coach Nehlen) and wish him well - quit complaining and whining and get on with finding a new coach. You may find that this was all meant to be and the next coach is the one that should be at WVU. As a Wolverine fan, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
WVU77
I agree with you about Rodriguez. My dislike for WV has been shifted to Mich. I also lament Coach Foster considering a position with your schools program, even though it is a good one. A Bennedict Arnold is a duck. I hope it aint so.
He went behind WVU's back to talk to UM. Had friends leak reports of a list of small items he wanted to stay at WVU. If he really wanted to stay all he had to do was ask public with those need and improvements. I do not believe he was going to stay anyway. One of the comments he made to reports after returning form the meetings in OH, was "I love my financial Advisor.". I think that meant he thought he had away out of paying his 4 Million buy out. What do you think.
there is no way in the world that i can deny being extremely disappointed in the apparent manner in which coach rod left. i guess mainly i'm disappointed because there is a football team now that in no way can muster the will the win the game with all that has gone on. i understand there are always two sides to every coin so i will not allow myself to call coach rod a traitor and deserving of a one way ride out of town on a flaming couch. i think my bottom line is to say thanks for bringing the team to a new level, good luck in your new job, and let's get a new, good coach. don't ever think loyalty will keep anyone anywhere, i think that's just been proven. but, let's move on and remember those famous words, "can't we all just get along?" it's a bummer but life moves on.
Why should anyone be suprised?? College football is not longer just a game, unfortunately, it is all about "SHOW ME THE MONEY"$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!!!! Sad but true, college football is like a "Major Lleague Pro Sport" just win, at all costs. 'tis a sad, sad situation.
The WVU AD has stated that Michigan did not ask permission to speak to Rodriguez and that permission was never granted. There is also a wire report, unconfirmed, that Rodriguez is now the first coach ever to walk out on his team prior to a BCS bowl game. I really liked and respected the man, until this. I cannot believe that he sacrificed his team upon the altar of personal gain.
Please..Give me a break..
Where's the outrage from the National Media? continue to put Coach Saban down a year later. Didn't Rodriquez say in Dec 2006 while turning down the Alabama job that he plans "on being here a long time."(meaning WV). He goes on to say:
"There weren't many reasons not to go. It's all about the reasons for staying," Rodriguez said. "I'm biased, this is my school. I think it's a great place to raise a family. We've always had a great athletic tradition."
He joins a long tradition of Head Coaches who lie. So what, time and Bowl Wins will heal all wounds. Roll! Tide!
Last edited by bornthisway on December 18th at 3:39 PM.
I have a question. How many here were directly involved with this situation?
If I had to guess I would say none. So I would like
to know where you guys are getting your rock solid information. Unless you know all the information on both sides, why don't you stop making accusations and move on to the new coach.
I am a diehard WV fan but, everyone needs stop whining and get over it.
The "give my Staff bonus money" is lame spin. The man walked out because he and Magee totally screwed up the Pitt game and needed to get out of Morgantown.
Attention ClaytonZ et. al.:
Well, Michigan did not request permission to talk to RR, I do not know where you got that lie from. As for good terms with his players, not one of his top players was quoted, so that info is suspect as well.
Also, leaving before a BCS game is de####able, therfore your definition of "good terms" is abhorrent.
As for WVU playing tough teams, they have played far more than their share of top 10 teams compared to all the Big Ten schools. Besides, how does THE Ohio State get embarrassed by the Zips in the first half of that game?
I've always rooted for Michigan in the Big Ten, but now I hope that OSU gets them in the next three and RR is canned.
Go Bucks.
if you read what the boosters said it is all clear. The boosters are not upset with RR because they know it is a business. These boosters run businesses of their own. The condemned the school for not stepping up with the cash, hash and assss. It's all right there. There seems to be differences between the boosters and the school. The shool did what they wanted to do and the boosters were offering to help "grease" the wheel. Sounds to me like your school muckity mucks need to be taken behind the wood shed. The boosters seem fired up enough to git R done.
Now join in as we all sing 3 verses of Hail to the Victors. Jealousy will get you nowhere. Guess your mountain isn't all that high. The view is amazing up here amungst the maze and blue. quitcha####in'
I for one am a 48 yr old guy that has been going to WVU games all my life,I was raised in WV,but do to work now live in Ohio. I was raised that a mans word was the worth of a man. That a hand shake was as good as any contract. If class is walking out on your word ( you guys are stuck with me )( I am coaching at the place I dreamed of )( sign an 8 yr contract ) I guess Rod has class !!
I dont think any true fan would be as upset if he would have done it like a man !! Play the bowl game ,then talk contract. In this case he put the cart before the horse. First he met while trying to talk to HS players. Second, he contacted future HS players before letting his own team,or Admin. know !! He did the same thing the Colts did yrs ago, left us in a second. If indeed it was not a money problem,even after a 2 million dollar payday this yr,he would have no problem paying the 4 million dollars to WV.
I dont blame him for going he that is what he really wanted,ITS THE WAY HE DID IT !!!
I know they say Mich. has a large number of wins in their history,but if they where all that and a bag of nuts they would not have to go to their 3rd pick as a coach !! We will always love our football team and be behind them! We just ask for a man that is good as his word !!! GO ERRS !!!
IF RR doesn't make it in Ann Arbor, we'll find another guy to fill the spot. There are droves of coaches climbing over one another to get a chance at Mich football. The Michigan Football coaching position is viagara for any coach worth the salt on his sak.
Well this one has well-placed friends within the WVU AD department. People with first hand knowledge of the situation. I know the boosters story, but the other side of the coin is that Rodriguez went out last year to get an offer from Alabama and then used it to negotiate a new contract. One that included a 70% raise, millions of dollars in improvements, and raises for his assistants.
So what happens this year, he did it again. He got an offer from Michigan and tried to use it to strong-arm new deals. You have to draw the line somewhere.
Now he is trying to wiggle out of his $4M buyout. If he can't then he's not even going to get a pay raise out of the deal, as if you use the post-tax increase he gets from Michigan, it will take him about 10 years to pay off the buy-out (he'll take home about $400K more a year at Michigan)
Last edited by WVU77 on December 18th at 10:16 PM.
The funny thing is that what Rodriguez was really trying to do was to use Michigan like he used Alabama last year. He interviewed, negotiated, got an offer, and then rather than accept it, he came back to WVU to try to once again renegotiate. If WVU had given in again, then he would have called back to turn down a deal he had already accepted. That's what he did to Bama last year.
Like some of the comments above - I am more upset at how RR is leaving than anything else. All of this negative publicity regarding non-support and the dating of his letter of resignation Jan 3 are nothing more than blatant attempts at lowering his buyout - and are hurting the program. Not to mention the call to commits to have them reconsider, etc.
He was always looking for the bigger/better deal - so I don't agree that he was simply using it as a bargaining tool again. Besides, what's with holding the Univ "ransom" 2 years in a row?!? That list of things that weren't done are a joke - especially in comparison to what was accomplished (namely his $700K pay increase and the $8MM in renovations that were underway). For a school with limited donors/funds (in comparison to UM, for instance) - it is clear they were doing all they could. And besides, they didn't tell him no...
Last edited by WVUalum98 on December 18th at 10:58 PM.
I am a WVU alum and agree with the comment below- I don't agree with it but can see why he left but it is the way he went about it. Instaed of waiting after the BCS game, he lied when he went on the trip to Toledo, he didn't ask permission to talk to michigan, and then came home and lied with that smerk on his face again. His true character showed- $$ and disloyality are his ways. How can you look at yourself in th mirror after screwing over your players like this. Anyone ever heard of a coach leaving their home state where they were born and raised, went to school (alma mater), family/friends, on the verge of a BCS game. He is the one that stated he would not coach because his mind is on Michigan. Then leaves with a couple coaches already. What scum. I think the governor should pass a special law banishing him from ever stepping in the state again. What a piece of #### RR is. Get out.
Are you kidding me? RR leaving WVU was anything but graceful. Sure, he told his players face to face, but that's about it. He handed a resignation letter to a GA to give to AD? That's real classy. He spoke to recruits before anyone he was leaving...again, classy.
He put his resignation as Jan. 3rd (although now it was been changed to midnight tonight) so he could get fired and avoid the buyout.
He straight up lied numerous times when he said he planned to be at WVU for life. Whatever.
He has embarassed a state that has doesn't have a lot. But it does have football and its pride.
Then of course is the argument that the Admin. wouldn't budge on something like $200K in improvements and salaries. Do people think that's what made him leave? Really? If you do, ask yourself why he would leave over that with the offseason so close.
Sure, UM made an excellent choice, but at what cost? He certainly has the right to do whatever he wants but in my opinion, I don't think I'm alone here, RR has disgraced himself, WVU, and his home state of WV. This will do down as a painfully legendary event in WV sports and folks will never forget this.
There was nothing polite about the way RR acted. If you think his players were ok with it then ask Johnny Dingle and Keilan #### how OK they were with it. They stormed out of the meeting with rod, cussing as they went. Sounds like they were real ok with RR's explanations.
And then, RR, Still as the coach of WV called terrel Pryor to tell him he was taking the UM job and to basically take WV off of his recruitment list and add UM to it.
I do like what Pryor had to say about though. He said If RR would treat his home state and school like that along with the players he made promises to what will keep him from doinfg the same thing to UM?
But to call recruits just hours after announcing the news and to use his WV office and phone to do it is NO CLASS AT ALL.
This is not all bad for WV.
The current problem is dealing with the shock of losing a good coach.
But do the math--now the WV AD will have $4 million from RR's buyout to entice a new coach. Terry Bowden is practically salivating.
Better yet, swoop in quick & get Ron English, Michigan's current defensive coordinator. He is young, fierce, well-respected, loved by his players. And I'm SURE you could get him for less than $4 million!
Best of all, I'm sure he'll bring major wrath to Michigan for being passed over for the head coaching job. When Michigan & WV meet in the NC in five years & WV under coach English pound UM, how sweet would that be? Think outside the box, people!
Last edited by BallShark on December 19th at 8:21 AM.
RODRIGUEZ WAS BIT CHING ABOUT $5 FOR HIGH SCHOOL COACHES TO GET IN GAMES. BUT HE DIDNT MIND TAKING $300 A KID FOR THE YOUTH CAMP. HES A IDIO T THANK GOD HES GONE.
wvhollar,
The truth is, he called the recrutes before he even told his team. Pryor, either go to OSU, better yet come to WVU. Though B-itch Rod showed his true colors, we as Mountaineers are always Loyal. And everyone, don't be to schocked if there is a big surprise in a couple of weeks.
LET'S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!
If you want to talk about breaches of contract lets talk WVU administration. RR wanted more money...for the program. He wanted to the pay of his assistants to match their performance. He wanted the quality of the team's facilities to match the quality of team he was fielding. The way WVU was nickel and diming RR shows that THEY were the problem not RR.
If an administration doesn't want to pay it's coach the going rate for his performance or enhance the overall capicity of its program they should just say that. Instead they promised the moon and the starts and didn't deliver. Who could blame RR for wanting to go to a school that gives coaches all of the resources they need to succeed and pays the going rate to a proven coach? I'll tell you who, WVU.
runrunrun. Get your facts right, RR got a 70 percent pay raise this yr,plus bonus for 2.1 mill ,did you get a raise like that . Wv already started const. on a 6 million dollar LOCKERROOM improvement. They added a 4 million dollar study center for the team. They added more seating and are adding more after the season. things of this dollar value are not done a week they take time, planning ,bidding to companies.So wake up you are wrong. Wv was doing all they could in a timely fashion to meet their end of the contract !!!
Not bad for a place that students go for an EDUCATION !!!!!!!!
If Mich was as great a job as some seem to think,they would not have to be turned down by 2 coaches first !!! Bo no longer coaches and the days of bigger and slower are gone !!
Mich. CAN NOT live on the past yes they have their crowns and wins,but so do we !!!
Just curious about how much Nehlen had to do with this. He seemed to know about it before anyone else and he is an ex-assistant Michigan coach under Bo. His comments are all praising Michigan, the great opportunity, only one Michigan, caliber of recruits, etc. Sounds like he thinks WV is second rate and not where he wanted to be.
I HOPE WVU goes after Ron English!! I don't know if you have noticed but, other than the Puke-eye game this year, Michigan's problem has NOT been the offense...it has been the (non) defense under the "guidance" of one Ron "are we really supposed to TACKLE the other team?" English. Well respected? If I knew I would be able to score 30 against his defence, I would "respect" him (in public) too!! Loved by his players? What would you expect a player to say about his coach, while still wanting to keep his scholarship!! If you have ANY influence at WVU, or know someone who does, we BEG you to use that influence to "swoop in"!!! Is tomorrow too soon???
Coach Stewart WVU interim coach I am impressed and only want to say Thanks and LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS!!! I think you can whip OSU Bye Rich GO Mountiees!!!
I'm a sports fan living in southwest Florida, a transplant from the Denver area. I'm a die hard Mets, CU Buffaloes and Broncos fan. I follow all the big 4 sports and love to engage in good debate, so don't be afraid to drop a line.
