Posted on Thu, Dec 31, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.
West Virginia coach Bill Stewart wishes Rich Rodriguez 'the best'
By AnnArbor.com Staff
Bill Stewart, who took over the West Virginia football program when Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan, has a wide-ranging question-and-answer session on Rivals.com. One question: "Do you think West Virginia fans finally are over Rich Rodriguez?
Stewart's answer:
"I don't know. I never have really thought of that. If they aren't, they need to be. The guy changed jobs, it's over. Remember that seven of my buddies went up there that I was with for seven years and a bunch of my GAs (graduate assistants). All I ever have done toward that Michigan staff is wish them the best. And that is the sincere truth."
Comments
dale renner
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 : 12:06 p.m.
After watching some of the top tier bowl games and most of the lower tier bowls................I finally have to admit: HOW LOW The University of Michigan's football program has sunk! It's sad..............Hat's off to the Buckeyes, Nitany Lions and Badgers.
Shemp Shempster
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 : 11:24 a.m.
Yes. People down in WV are happy that Stewart is their coach. Right. Why are people afraid that WVU is a place where up and coming coaches will use it as a means for "greener pastures" or where it becomes a place for older coaches "to be put out to pasture?" WVU made the wrong choice in not hiring Doc Holiday anyway. Now their greatest recuiter will be succeeding at Marshall much to their dismay. Brian Kelley leaving Cinnci further hurt the league too and confirmed in the minds of many that the Big East will be nothing more than a stepping stone to bigger jobs. When and if the Big 10 raids the Big East they will be even less of a factor as a football conference. RR saw the writing on the wall in the Big East and at WVU at large. He pushed and pushed the powers that be there to try and make WVU a on par with the big boys. Unfortuanetly for them they didn't want to make the changes that were necessary. Are we happy with RR at UM? Certainly not with his results yet. RR's track record else where suggests he is a good coach. Given enough time he will succeed.
rightmind250
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.
Portagelkeblu, You too should enjoy the new year. Switch from that kool-aid you've been drinking and have a beer. That should give you a dose of reality.
vi4mi4
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 : 9:14 a.m.
...ending 30 year bowl/winning season streaks, last in the big ten,destroying the greatest football program of all time...as of now, rich red is the worst hire in the history of sports, he is a osu mole (hence the red wristband) sorry days... Ban The Red Wristband! Go Blue! v
Sean T.
Sat, Jan 2, 2010 : 6:49 a.m.
I'm only ill because our coach is a laughable ignoramus. His personal dealings and such are his business and don't really concern me. I want improvement in all facets of play and recruits that have done something better that our previous regime has done. I want to feel like there's improvement instead of "those guy's are fast". We've had fast players before people, I want something to believe in! Bowl season has been sad because we belong here. The Blue belongs in a bowl even if it's on Ford Field. I know how the coaching carousel works and it's spinning in the wrong direction in AA. It's funny how those who dislike RR are considered less classy then the coach himself who has tarnished our legacy with off the field problems and his lack of coaching ingenuity. Go Blue
OSUbeBetter
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 11:34 p.m.
I think it was Great fortune for you to get Rodriguez.
Lemansblue
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 5:22 p.m.
Good fortune to get Rich? Yes if you want the winningest college football of all time dismantled. Last place in the Big Ten. Unbelievable!!!
PortageLkBlu
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 4:42 p.m.
For goodness sake boys and girls get over it, drink a nice glass of milk and have a couple of cookies. It was our good fortune to get Rich and that's all there is to it. SeanT let it go son your going to make yourself ill. This is how the coaching carousel works whether you or I like it. If your a human you've got skeletons in the closet like it or not. I don't see Bobby Bowden or Tiger Woods or the Pres. as bad becuase I don't approve of everything they do I see them as human, now you boys and girls be patient cause RR is getting his team together and good things such as wins are coming but for heaven's sake relax and enjoy your New Year all will be well with the Wolves and with RR at the Helm.
BillMK
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 12:52 p.m.
Stewart shows a lot more class than do most of the Rod-haters.
Nick
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.
My closest friend works in the WVU athletic department, and I can tell you the RROD and Mike Leach stories are similar. Rich was never happy or staisfied with his power at WVU. He constantly bickering with athletic department personnel, whining behind the scene to school president, and rarely, if ever, sopke with the A.D. in the last years. His salary was 2 mil when he left, pouting like a child because his ever escalating demands were going on deaf ears. Bottom line....many people were relieved when he left town under the cover of darkness.
A2lover
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 9:15 a.m.
Yes, I'm sure West Virginia is only too pleased to be rid of the charlatan Rich Rod. He certainly came into the U of M football program as a virus, infecting just about everything he touched.
mark
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
As a native West Virginian I can speak to this. The answer is a robust NO. A recent "favorites" poll of West Virginia sports fans had RRod's favorability ranking at 16%. Reasons:Left his ALMA MATER, left his home state, lied to fans and players saying "I will be here as long as you will have me", left team in lurch to play Oklahoma in BCS bowl without head coach, tried to go the double-speak lawyer route to get out of his buy-out clause, arrogance, etc. Must I go on? I think the Michigan folks are now starting to understand, aren't you? We are very fortunate to have a man of character like Bill Stewart in charge of our program now.
Sean T.
Fri, Jan 1, 2010 : 8:28 a.m.
Why should Stewart be mad at RR, he gave him his job and brought everyone up here to destroy our program. I like some of the power sets you use down there Bill. Combining the spread with some power sets makes you a bit tougher. Please send a memo to your Buddy Rod!