Can someone explain to me why Rich Rod would be a bad hire...

[Genghis Conn]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

 

[pressvirginia]

Rod's comments & interviews express to me he regrets leaving & the way the whole thing went down.

2 sides to every story.

 

[dave]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

Can someone explain to me what he has accomplished that suggests he is a good coach?

 

[Samuel S]

The mere fact so many people don't want him, regardless of whether their opposition is warranted, is a very good reason not to hire him. Unless he was immediately and consistently successful there would be incessant complaints.

Dana got a long grace period. Rich would face a barrage the first time he made a mistake not the 100th.

Dana had a clean slate and has earned the contempt he is facing. Rich V2 would face it from day one.

We need a fresh start with a coach not starting out with a large percentage of the fan base antagonistic to him.

 

[dave]

First, do I really need to address everything he accomplished here? We all thought he was a good coach then, but since he's left, there have been so many revisionist fans that continually downplay what he achieved.

At Michigan, I think many people can agree that way too much pressure was put on him from the beginning, and it was impossible to live up to those expectations in the timeframe given. If you noticed, he really did have some good players coming in, but unfortunately, Brady Hoke was the one to inherit them.

And he's clearly turning Arizona around in a tough Pac-12, and anyone who has been paying attention can see that. Arizona also isn't a job that its easy to just go in and start dominating with, either.

Stop with this nonsense that he's not a good coach. He is.

If richrod had the same success here that he had at Michigan or Arizona he would be run out of town here.

 

[WVUroller]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

Gibson's defense with so much potential has given up 100 points in last two games and all in all is getting scored upon at an uneasy rate in conference play. I will take Casteel over him any day!

 

[dave]

Which would be stupid. Building a program takes time. His first year at Michigan he went 3-9. His next year he went 5-7, and in his final season, he went 7-6. Thats clearly progress in the right direction.

At Arizona, he went 8-5 his first two seasons, 10-4 last season, and is 5-3 so far this year. And like I said above, Arizona isn't exactly the easiest place to win at, especially given the competition. I think he's done well there all things considered.

Rich has lost to mediocre teams this year and people want to run Dana out of town for losing to 4 top 15 teams.

 

[Mountain Man_rivals148431]

DickRod's O is no longer an gimmick O like it was when he 1st got here. The no huddle spread passing or read option O is not a surprise to an D these days considering quite a few schools especially in our conference more of an air raid run it. Rod's O is primarily a run first with the read option which is a modern day version of the veer wishbone ran back in the day. Once Defenses learned how to stop it and counter it, that style of O is not as effective and many Defenses know how to stop it unless you're Urban Meyer. I still think UM and MSU will slow them down some, but maybe not outright beat them.

 

[dave]

He lost to #8 Stanford, #25 UCLA, and a 5-2 Wazzou team that is trending upwards and receiving votes in the polls. None of those teams are mediocre.

And for the record, I'm not necessarily advocating for Dana to be fired. I'm just saying in the event that he is, why is Rich Rod a bad hire?

I guess you just made my point.

 

[pressvirginia]

31-17 versus 21-24. 3-4 years body of work against P5 competition.

Ariz has won two bowls, won the Pac-12 south, had a 10-win Fiesta appearance, beat No. 2 Oregon at Oregon on a Thursday night and came within a conference championship game of reaching the playoff. None of that includes RR's achievements at West Virginia. You know those & they speak for themselves.

October gauntlet is the latest excuse. Top 25/15/5 teams are beaten every single week. No, you're not going to beat them all, but one of four isn't asking too much.

If that's not valid somehow, underdogs show promise in outmatched games all the time.

NIU & Indiana both nearly took down no. 1 Ohio State.

Our own Butch Jones has been under some fire but took the Vols to Fla, had a double digit late lead and should've won. Last Saturday, Jones went to Alabama & took the lead late before losing by 5 to mighty Saban. Jones also came within a 4th down for the game to beat OU who whipped Dana by 20.

Losses are losses but showing promise & potential is something real too. Had Dana narrowly lost the way Jones has, it's much harder to argue. Losing by 20, 24 & 30 leaves much to desire and deserves criticism.

 

[MntnEERinSC]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

He lost to wash state?

 

[GoWVU]

Mark Helfrich lost to Washington St this year, too. I guess you wouldn't want him as a coach, either.

 

[ThePunish-EER]

Can someone explain to me what he has accomplished that suggests he is a good coach?

the fact you ask such a stupid question as this is mind boggling.

 

[ThePunish-EER]

If richrod had the same success here that he had at Michigan or Arizona he would be run out of town here.

lmao run out of town? He's been one of the top teams in the pac12.

 

[MntnEERinSC]

Mark Helfrich lost to Washington St this year, too. I guess you wouldn't want him as a coach, either.

What has Rod done that compares to what Helfrich has done? I agree Dana needs to go, but not for RRod!!

 

[GoWVU]

What has Rod done that compares to what Helfrich has done? I agree Dana needs to go, but not for RRod!!

I'm just pointing out you can't rip RR just for losing to Washington St this year, because a guy who was in last season's national-championship game did the same thing.

 

[MntnEERinSC]

I'm just pointing out you can't rip RR just for losing to Washington St this year, because a guy who was in last season's national-championship game did the same thing.

Understood!! I could go with losing to a 28 point underdog with a title game on the line!! And for the record I'd rather have RRod than Dana, just think we have better options!!

 

[GoWVU]

I could go with losing to a 28 point underdog with a title game on the line!!

The same thing happened to Pete Carroll the year before it happened to us.

Your best argument is just to say RR would be too divisive amongst the fanbase.

 

[MntnEERinSC]

The same thing happened to Pete Carroll the year before it happened to us.

Your best argument is just to say RR would be too divisive amongst the fanbase.

So you think he's our best option? Our fan base is already divided, not gonna change much!!

 

[GoWVU]

I doubt RR is our best option. People who love to play the "who are we going to hire" card always manage to conveniently omit the fact that 2 of our last 3 hires were highly-sought up-and-coming coordinators.

Since we were able to hire those guys then, I don't see any reason we would have a worse time hiring one now.

 

[MntnEERinSC]

I doubt RR is our best option. People who love to play the "who are we going to hire" card always manage to conveniently omit the fact that 2 of our last 3 hires were highly-sought up-and-coming coordinators.

Since we were able to hire those guys then, I don't see any reason we would have a worse time hiring one now.

I agree dude!! I just would rather go big on Houstons coach than Rich Rod!!

 

[EERs 3:16]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

With the exception of WVU, he has a track record of failure.

 

[strangertobluewater]

With the exception of WVU, he has a track record of failure.

Having 10 wins last year and going to the fiesta bowl is pretty impressive! Also last year, Oregon's only regular season loss was to AZ! However, I bet he gets many offers this year. He probably won't be available. Can't imagine RR would want to come back to the criticism that he would endure by a portion of our fan base. Honestly, I feel our fan base will be divided by whoever is hired.
Our fan base is more divided then the Democrats and Republicans.

 

[MountaineerWV]

People point at Rich Rod's lack of sustained success at Michigan and now Arizona. Yet excuse Holgersen's here at WVU. Why is that? Rich Rod was changing an offense at Michigan and things never got going. He wasn't a "fit" there. And Arizona is about like WVU. It's not a football tradition. It's in a difficult conference. Yet you guys point out all the negatives of what he has done there, and excuse Dana for what he has NOT done here.

 

[HurdyGurdyEer]

I can only echo the sentiment that if Rod were less than successful from the beginning there would be a serious revolt among fan/donors.

I don't see that as a risk worth taking.

 

[HurdyGurdyEer]

People point at Rich Rod's lack of sustained success at Michigan and now Arizona. Yet excuse Holgersen's here at WVU. Why is that? Rich Rod was changing an offense at Michigan and things never got going. He wasn't a "fit" there. And Arizona is about like WVU. It's not a football tradition. It's in a difficult conference. Yet you guys point out all the negatives of what he has done there, and excuse Dana for what he has NOT done here.

This thread is about why Rod would not be a good hire. It's not about what Dana has or hasn't done.

 

[VaultHunter]

The only reason some WVU fans would not want Rodriguez back is because they don't like home personally.

Nothing in his resume would suggest that he is a bad hire for WVU if we make a change.

People that don't want him have a personal agenda against him and have to reach for straws to show why WVU should not hire him.

 

[VaultHunter]

The same fans calling Rodriguez names and wishing bad against him would take his success at Arizona in a heartbeat.

 

[BeatPitt]

Leadership...

 

[Krighton]

when he left I was with the 'don't let the door hit you' crowd, especially after the Pitt game...but a few years of depressing losses has changed my tune and i'd be happy to hear rumors of the RR plane circling the airport for a landing

 

[TarHeelEer]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?.

• Stuck in his ways, doesn't adjust gameplan mid-game when things aren't working.
• Reliant on getting to the outside. If opponent has good DE's that cut off the outside (South Florida of old, Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor of new) we'd be done.
• Everything is somebody else's fault, especially the players.
• Rode the Pat White wave, record before and after? Not so good.

Other than that and his closet full of bones, he'd be a great pickup.

 

[Mtneer001]

...without citing how he left, and the fact that you think he's a scumbag, or the devil, or whatever?

I'm pretty sure the guy is a good coach, and at this point, I think we all just want to win. I think he was deserving of more time at Michigan, and he's obviously (slowly) turning Arizona around in a more competitive Pac-12 than the Big East was. Granted, I think there are legitimate potential concerns with Casteel's defense against Big 12 offenses, and Gibby is much better.

When you consider what coaches are "available" right now, and what coaches we can realistically attract while competing with all the other schools that have or will have coaching vacancies at the end of the season, I think someone at Rich's level (of being a proven head coach) is probably the best we can do without taking a chance on another highly-regarded coordinator.

And lets be honest, in all likelihood, the guy probably deeply regrets not only how he left, but leaving in the first place.

why people are so doggedly loyal to richrod is beyond me. is it because he grew up in west virginia? yes, he is a good coach, but there are a lot of good coaches out there. and some of them aren't from wv. our next head coach doesn't have to be from wv. because using strictly west virginians has worked out so well for us in west virginia in business. smh

 

[GetYaNumbersUp]

I don't want him because i want a coach that emphasizes defense. Rich Rod would be like Dana all over again.

 

[Boomboom521]

Can someone explain to me what he has accomplished that suggests he is a good coach?

A sugar bowl win against the sec champion is a pretty solid accomplishment

 

[Boomboom521]

why people are so doggedly loyal to richrod is beyond me. is it because he grew up in west virginia? yes, he is a good coach, but there are a lot of good coaches out there. and some of them aren't from wv. our next head coach doesn't have to be from wv. because using strictly west virginians has worked out so well for us in west virginia in business. smh

If we get a coach that succeeds, he will leave for a bigger program. Even Rod did it and he WAS a native. If he came back, and was successful, he wouldn't leave again. I want Terry Bowden, simply because he is old and wants to be here.....he wouldn't leave if he has success. (Yes, Bowden, that's how crazy I am about this issue)

 

[GetYaNumbersUp]

If we get a coach that succeeds, he will leave for a bigger program. Even Rod did it and he WAS a native. If he came back, and was successful, he wouldn't leave again. I want Terry Bowden, simply because he is old and wants to be here.....he wouldn't leave if he has success. (Yes, Bowden, that's how crazy I am about this issue)

Terry Bowden? Are you brain dead? The man is 60 years old and hasn't coached a P5 team in nearly 20 years. Oh yeah, and he's 14-29 at Akron.

 

[Coolridge69Vette]

I don't understand all the knob-slobbering over Rich Rod. His talents and acomplishments as a coach aside......HE'S NOT GOING TO COME BACK HERE. If he moves anywhere it will likely be because the opportunity is a step up, not a lateral move. Plus he's not bombing or on the hotseat at Arizona right now, so he's not going to be forced out. All the arguments of whether we want him back here or not are stupid. We might was well be arguing about having Saban as our coach....because that isn't going to happen either!

 

[spreadoption_rivals80969]

Can somebody explain to me why Rich Rod would want to come back?

 

[Boomboom521]

Terry Bowden? Are you brain dead? The man is 60 years old and hasn't coached a P5 team in nearly 20 years. Oh yeah, and he's 14-29 at Akron.

I actually said it was a crazy idea! No need to be a jerk buddy. It was a point about how dim the outlook is at this point.

 

[tigeer]

Rich has lost to mediocre teams this year and people want to run Dana out of town for losing to 4 top 15 teams.

Not advocating anything, but we're about to lose to some mediocre teams. The October gauntlet will prove to have been just too tough.