By Bill Nestor
It has been a while since we have had the chance to catch up. During that time, so much has happened, especially around the West Virginia football program.
After an extensive search by Athletic Director Wren Baker, and some direct intervention from fate, a new/old coach was hired. Well, it might be called fate by some, or even destiny by others, but the bottom line is that when Baker would show interest in another potential candidate, that coach would somehow disappear. Another job would take their interest (maybe even the current one that they possessed) or they would just lose interest in the one in Morgantown.
It went on until there was just one man standing and, good news, it was the right one for the job!
Rich Rodriguez was the 32nd head coach in program history 17 years ago and he is now the 36th as he hopes to elevate it back to where it was prior to his departure. There is no doubt that it has fallen a few levels since the initial “Rodriguez Era,” but he returns to the place that he calls home and, because of that, he was the correct choice for Baker from day one of his search.
There are still several people that are not happy with him leaving Morgantown back in the day. I would ask him to explain the entire situation before passing judgment. He has never thrown anyone under the bus, but it was rumored that a disagreement over facilities left him with an ultimatum.
Now one thing that the coach and I share is some Spanish heritage and a temper comes with it. If my boss said something along the lines of “if you don’t like it, you can leave,” and there was an offer on the table that paid more money – well you get the picture.
There are still people who think that he threw the Pitt game on purpose. I would love to be in a room and see his reaction to that ridiculous question. If he was in a perfect mood, we might get some of that Spanish temper I mentioned a moment ago.
Others don’t like the way that he left town in the middle of the night. He could have held a series of press conferences in every major city in the state explaining in detail why he was leaving and it would not have made a difference.
When you listen to Rich Rod talk now, he says that he made a mistake when he left. He didn’t have to do that, but he did, which isn’t easy for guys like us. He said it over and over and, most importantly, it was heartfelt because he loves the state. His love for West Virginia is what makes him the right man for the job.
At age 61, Rich Rod is young enough to go toe to toe with any ball coach in the country, but old enough to not want to ever leave the Mountain State again, regardless of the level of success that he elevates us to this time around. I predict it will be back to the top of college football where we belong!
Also, in case you were wondering, I am not going anywhere! I have the best boss around! A special thank you to Stephen and a Happy New Year to you all!
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!
(Bill, your work and contributions are also much appreciated! Thank you as well! Stephen Smoot)