Bear Down Wildcats

Coach just did a real nice interview on ESPN radio with Ian Fitzsimmons. Great national pub for the game.

http://www.pacifictakes.com/2015/10/8/9 ... ce=twitter" target="_blank

The man can coach. Maybe not recruit though.

AZarchery wrote:http://www.pacifictakes.com/2015/10/8/9 ... ce=twitter

The man can coach. Maybe not recruit though.

RR can coach and recruit always. If your going to say he cant recruit because he cant bring in top players to come to Arizona. The man can recruit it just Arizona isn't a destination to top rated recruit.

Pretty Lengthy article on ESPN Insider from Travis Haney on Coach and his future:

We’re still six weeks from South Carolina interviewing candidates to replace Steve Spurrier, and even further away from a hire, but a short list is already coming together for athletic director Ray Tanner.

Those close to the program say the search is likely going to center on three candidates: Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, Houston coach Tom Herman and Memphis coach Justin Fuente. Those names don't come as a surprise; that trio has been at the forefront of any mention of the job since Spurrier stepped down a week ago.

But here’s another name to file away for consideration: Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez.

Rodriguez did not immediately come to mind when I started to think about potential candidates for South Carolina. I assumed he would stay at Arizona until a bigger job -- say, LSU or Florida State -- became available. But as I discussed the possibility with agents and coaches, as well as with people close to the Gamecocks' search, it seems distinctly possible that the 52-year-old Rodriguez and Tanner will eventually talk.

Coaches who know Rodriguez well believe he genuinely would like to get back closer to home (West Virginia). They also think he would like to again coach at a school where football is a bigger deal.

Arizona did host “College GameDay” this season, but football still shares the spotlight with basketball, and it pales in comparison to the passion for football at South Carolina.

The same extends to Virginia Tech, where Rodriguez could be in play if Frank Beamer were to retire. Additionally, Rodriguez has a connection there: Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock was on the administrative staff at West Virginia when Rodriguez coached there.

Fuente and Rodriguez’s buyouts have both been reported to be $500,000. Smart’s is reportedly less than $100,000.

Additionally, Rodriguez has an annuity-like plan built into his contract. Essentially, as a bonus, he receives stock options in a company owned by an Arizona donor. That stock pays off at the conclusion of eight seasons, which would be following the 2019 season.

From talking to those who know Rodriguez, my sense is that it would not be a factor in deciding whether to interview or take a job on the East Coast.

http://espn.go.com/blog/travis-haney/in ... st?id=4857

Oh, it must be past midseason since the coaching rumors are flying again.

OK, So Haney says maybe South Carolina, but then says RR not in top three at South Carolina...

Then says OK, maybe VT because coaches and agents say maybe VT or another school who takes football more seriously.

Then Haney doesn't quite get the RR Buyout correct.

Then Haney doesn't quite get the annuity plan detail correct.

Then puts in an $$ Insider column for some to click on and paid for or to pay for. OK.

RR gets cash payments equal to 25% - 43,750 shares from annuity plan next year in March 2016 IF he's still at UA. Another 25% - 43,750 in March 2018 IF RR still at UA. Gets remaining 50% - 87,500 shares in March 2020 IF RR still at AZ

RR entitled to 100% cahs payment from annuity plan IF RR NOT at UA AND was terminated without cause (or death, disability) March 2018.

Plan is ambiguous on what RR's entitled to from annuity IF RR left AZ on his own. Which assuming is zilch because original annuity contract said zilch.

Hmm, I thought that if the school terminated him without cause then he would get a pro-rated amount, and if he left on his own accord he got bupkis. I'd have to look again.

azpenguin wrote:Hmm, I thought that if the school terminated him without cause then he would get a pro-rated amount, and if he left on his own accord he got bupkis. I'd have to look again.

Original 2014 RR contract had pro-rated language. This year's changed to earlier cash pay-outs if still employed at UA

Regents approve RichRod's raise

Meanwhile, the Regents approved an immediate $175,000 raise and earlier retention payouts for Rodriguez along with a five-year deal for new ASU basketball coach Bobby Hurley, who will be paid $1.2 million next season.

Rodriguez' base salary was scheduled to be raised from $1.5 to $1.6 million for next season but will now be $1.775 million – though many of his incentive bonuses will decrease — while his contract will also be extended through 2020.

In addition, Rodriguez will be gain earlier control of stock shares that are part of the booster-funded plan announced a year ago.

Initially, Rodriguez and Miller were eligible only to receive the full amount of the stock value if they remained at Arizona for eight seasons, or stayed at least four but were fired without cause after that.

That meant Rodriguez could have received the full value of his stock units (worth approximately $6.19 million as of May 2014) in 2022. But now under the revised plan, Rodriguez can collect 25 percent of his retention bonus on March 15, 2016. He can collect another 25 percent in 2018 and the final 50 percent in 2020.

http://tucson.com/sports/college/wildca ... 86f2d.html" target="_blank

Gotcha. From what I was reading (I haven't seen a copy of the contract, it's probably out there somewhere) on the original contract, they can't collect if they leave on their own before eight years. It looks like he can get a cash payout each year now, but I would think if he left on his own, he gets nothing after that. The timing on the revise is interesting, because by March the coaching carousel is stopped and everyone is settled.

I doubt Rich Rod goes anywhere, but if he does I want Matt Wells from Utah St.

azpenguin wrote:Gotcha. From what I was reading (I haven't seen a copy of the contract, it's probably out there somewhere) on the original contract, they can't collect if they leave on their own before eight years. It looks like he can get a cash payout each year now, but I would think if he left on his own, he gets nothing after that. The timing on the revise is interesting, because by March the coaching carousel is stopped and everyone is settled.

2014 contract said zilch if RR left on his own before 2022. Recent contract doesn't discuss that (RR leaving on his own) which why I assumed still zilch. Think the way contract states now. RR, while at UA will get three payments that total the 175,000 shares allotted for him. 43,750 in March 2106, 43,750 on March 2018, 87,500 in march 2020.

All payout timed post-seasons and coaching carousels. Also post signing days. Personally thought it was brilliant for UA to change on timing and get RR to taste some of the money sooner. A tangible handcuff.

FWIW, the original fund value was little over $6 million (175,000) shares. Depending on the oil market until March 2016 it could be worth less. Right now, it's worth $4.2 million. If RR were to get the 25% cash payout today, it would be for little over $1 million.

Less money but he can take that chunk and invest it himself and get a better return. I think the fund will rebound later on; right now, this is a bad time for oil and gas.

FWIW, I don't think he's going to South Carolina.

I think Haney's point re: the retention bonus is that the money, regardless the amount, wouldn't be a factor if RR had an opportunity at those schools back east.

Personally, I think RR's commitment to the 3-3-5 will scare away most of the big named suitors.

Go Cats!!

Catstatic wrote:Personally, I think RR's commitment to the 3-3-5 will scare away most of the big named suitors.

Go Cats!!

I agree.

My main point, is IF you're going to speculate about RR to South Carolina and going to put it behind a paywall, try to get some of the facts correct. Sounds a little different in the read telling readers if RR would walk away from a check for $1 million in 5 months.

And even to Haney it didn't sound like RR was in South Carolina's top three right now. And Haney did write "Could". We can only speculate what RR will/won't do. RR "could" stay or RR "could" go.

Of course Haney probably wasn't aware RR was going to WVU for next season

Redit:

Inside source: Rich Rod back to WVU for 2016 season. (self.CFB)
submitted 2 hours ago by Oppenheim_Taft
Major donors in WV have "escorted" WVU AD Lyons to Arizona on private jets twice since WVU entered the death stretch of losses in October. They are already quietly raising the money to pay out Holgerson's contract and Rodriguez's buyout in AZ. The only catch is VT AD Whit Babcock, who is a long time RR confidant. Either way, looks like RR is back east in '16. Either home to replace the red bull addict Holgerson or to the worst Virginia to replace a struggling Beamer.

https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/3 ... 16_season/

Of course you have this all wrong, you know? RichRod is leaving to take the Eagles job when Kelly gets the ax. If Kelly survives, expect him to go to Louisville to take over for Pitino. If people are going to connect him with every job out there, let's do it right.

I think there are very very high odd's that Rich Rod will not be retiring from college football coaching in Tucson Arizona.

I think the odd's are also very high that he won't even be a snowbird in Arizona.

Eventually he will accept a HC position back east at a school that combines his preferred recruiting and climate wheel-house of choice to finish his career.

You might have him in Arizona a couple of more seasons.

The rest of this is just noise.

If we have him in Arizona a couple of more seasons, he will probably win a Pac-12 title in one of those years.

Hell I'm fine if he leaves in 15 months if we win a conference title in 2016.

azpenguin wrote:Of course you have this all wrong, you know? RichRod is leaving to take the Eagles job when Kelly gets the ax. If Kelly survives, expect him to go to Louisville to take over for Pitino. If people are going to connect him with every job out there, let's do it right.

I'm assuming you mean Petrino and not Pitino. Although it would be fun to see a football coach try to coach a bball team...

azgreg wrote:I doubt Rich Rod goes anywhere, but if he does I want Matt Wells from Utah St.

Me too.

Fishclamps wrote:

azpenguin wrote:Of course you have this all wrong, you know? RichRod is leaving to take the Eagles job when Kelly gets the ax. If Kelly survives, expect him to go to Louisville to take over for Pitino. If people are going to connect him with every job out there, let's do it right.

I'm assuming you mean Petrino and not Pitino. Although it would be fun to see a football coach try to coach a bball team...

Nope, I meant Pitino. He's possibly gone now. Like i said, if we're going to tie him to every damn coaching opening, let's be thorough. Remember, he says the QB is basically a point guard in his offense...

You say Pitino, I say Petrino...

I get the adulterous Louisville head coaches mixed up all the time myself.

someone mentioned in one of the other "richrod to ____ rumors" threads that coach may be tentative about uprooting his family, which makes a heck of lot of sense. plus, i think he's pretty comfy at Arizona -- at least compared to what he'd have to deal with at an sec or acc school (or what he did deal with at michigan). at the same time though, i wonder if there's a window of opportunity that is narrowing for RR. after all, he might be pushing 60 by the time his kids are done with school and football. i imagine coaches at that age will need to have spurrier or paterno-like resumes to land a job at the caliber of program that RR might be eyeing. how old is too old to coach a bigtime program with RR's accolades?

Rich Rod will be the Dan Marino of College FB coaches.

I hate to say that I really expected great things out of RR when he was hired.

I saw the renewed commitment to football by Byrne, the construction of the NEZ in 2011, and the hiring of RR, as a huge turning point for this school as a future dominant force in football.

I thought, "If Stanford can find the right coach and create a culture of winning, why can't Arizona?"

I thought, "asu just hired their 6th choice coach, USC is crippled by sanctions, UCLA hired some joke NFL failure, and Colorado/Utah aren't competitive at the moment."

Missed opportunities I guess. RR has done some great things here and he has found success. But it's the 7-5, 8-4, and occasional 9 or 10 win season success that is mind numbingly frustrating because this program is so close to the next step but is held back by perpetual mediocrity. And let's not fool ourselves, 7 or 8 wins against the Arizona schedule should not be hard to accomplish.

I'm in no way suggesting that RR be fired, but there certainly needs to be some sort of change. It's year 4 and there's been really no real improvement. Last year was special, but this team isn't building on that. Fans are losing interest and I can't blame them.

RR is a good coach. He's not going anywhere, no other program worth leaving Arizona for is going to make him an offer and Arizona isn't going to fire him. That's hard to write, because I want a guy who wants to be the Arizona head coach. I don't know how much RR has enjoyed coaching here.

I'll still go to games until I die. Even if I do have to drive 900 miles to do so. But I can't say that I'm not disappointed, and at 25, I really hope one day I'll see Arizona in a Rose Bowl.

Salty wrote:I hate to say that I really expected great things out of RR when he was hired.

I saw the renewed commitment to football by Byrne, the construction of the NEZ in 2011, and the hiring of RR, as a huge turning point for this school as a future dominant force in football.

I thought, "If Stanford can find the right coach and create a culture of winning, why can't Arizona?"

I thought, "asu just hired their 6th choice coach, USC is crippled by sanctions, UCLA hired some joke NFL failure, and Colorado/Utah aren't competitive at the moment."

Missed opportunities I guess. RR has done some great things here and he has found success. But it's the 7-5, 8-4, and occasional 9 or 10 win season success that is mind numbingly frustrating because this program is so close to the next step but is held back by perpetual mediocrity. And let's not fool ourselves, 7 or 8 wins against the Arizona schedule should not be hard to accomplish.

I'm in no way suggesting that RR be fired, but there certainly needs to be some sort of change. It's year 4 and there's been really no real improvement. Last year was special, but this team isn't building on that. Fans are losing interest and I can't blame them.

RR is a good coach. He's not going anywhere, no other program worth leaving Arizona for is going to make him an offer and Arizona isn't going to fire him. That's hard to write, because I want a guy who wants to be the Arizona head coach. I don't know how much RR has enjoyed coaching here.

I'll still go to games until I die. Even if I do have to drive 900 miles to do so. But I can't say that I'm not disappointed, and at 25, I really hope one day I'll see Arizona in a Rose Bowl.

Good post.

RichRod is a very good coach and a nice fit for Arizona, but I think any concern that he is going on be high on the wish list of any elite programs is misplaced. And just to call it what it is, I do not think we are that close to that 'next step', as much as I would like to believe that we are.

I hope I am wrong; I was in college when you were born, and I'd really like to see an outright conference championship before you are my age.

I think Rich Rod is a great offensive coach in college football

I think he is a decent recruiter. Not bad by any means but not great. Our recruiting classes have stayed pretty consistent rankings wise from the stoops years.

I think he is way too loyal to the 3-3-5. I think he will prove to be way too loyal to his staff

I think he was screwed this year before it started with the lack of a bye and then screwed with all the injuries

I think next year is the biggest year of his career. Lots of people coming back, much better schedule, we get a bye, it will be year 5 so definitely no excuses.

I have already moved on to next year as no way we make a rose bowl this year. Any year we don't have a chance at a rose bowl is worthless to me at this point.

What are you guys talking about. Your acting like RR making mental mistake of how he handling the team performance.

cordera89 wrote:What are you guys talking about. Your acting like RR making mental mistake of how he handling the team performance.

Umm so what exactly are you taking about

I am one prone to bad grammar but I have no idea what your post meant

Newportcat wrote:I think Rich Rod is a great offensive coach in college football

I think he is a decent recruiter. Not bad by any means but not great. Our recruiting classes have stayed pretty consistent rankings wise from the stoops years.

I think he is way too loyal to the 3-3-5. I think he will prove to be way too loyal to his staff

I think he was screwed this year before it started with the lack of a bye and then screwed with all the injuries

I think next year is the biggest year of his career. Lots of people coming back, much better schedule, we get a bye, it will be year 5 so definitely no excuses.

I have already moved on to next year as no way we make a rose bowl this year. Any year we don't have a chance at a rose bowl is worthless to me at this point.

Yep. Next year we get 7 home games plus byu in Glendale..a bye...and possibly guys like Wilson, Solomon, Jones, Grant, Philips, griffey, Scooby... All coming back. No matter what happens this year, 2016 is a 9+ win regular season or bust in my opinion. We win less than 9 next year RR is in the hot seat in 2017.

There is a good possibility that the defense does not improve next year. Defensive line and the secondary has not improved from year to year, not just as a unit but each individual player. We get two LBs back (Scooby gone), but with the other units playing poorly that I don't know if they can make up the difference. Offense could be good (no center still) but that wasn't really the problem this year.

Thinking about it, I can see RR pulling Riley and leaving while his stock is high, his stock it could start going back down after a few more bad defensive teams.

I really like RR, although his loyalty to the 3-3-5 is frustrating.

Dick Tomey got tired of the complaints about his offense, so he finally brought in Homer Smith to pick things up. Coach Smith did, but never was able to develop Ortege Jenkins, who actually got worse each year.

RichRod is a smart guy, but he has to realize that the 3-3-5 gimmick defense won't work in a power conference.

All I'm hoping for is to do what Mike Price did with Wazzu. A couple of great seasons, 2 trips to the Rose Bowl, wrapped around some pretty mediocre seasons.

Going to be awfully hard though. UA will never be USC and UCLA, and now there are 12 teams instead of 10.

Newportcat wrote:

cordera89 wrote:What are you guys talking about. Your acting like RR making mental mistake of how he handling the team performance.

Umm so what exactly are you taking about

I am one prone to bad grammar but I have no idea what your post meant

don't play grammar unless you really don't how to read bad writing.

OSUCat wrote:There is a good possibility that the defense does not improve next year. Defensive line and the secondary has not improved from year to year, not just as a unit but each individual player. We get two LBs back (Scooby gone), but with the other units playing poorly that I don't know if they can make up the difference. Offense could be good (no center still) but that wasn't really the problem this year.

Thinking about it, I can see RR pulling Riley and leaving while his stock is high, his stock it could start going back down after a few more bad defensive teams.

You think RR is going to pull a Mike Riley move of what? leaving Arizona for better opportunity. RR isn't Riley.

Merkin wrote:I really like RR, although his loyalty to the 3-3-5 is frustrating.

RichRod is a smart guy, but he has to realize that the 3-3-5 gimmick defense won't work in a power conference

Going to be awfully hard though. UA will never be USC and UCLA, and now there are 12 teams instead of 10.

shared the stats recently. In 7 power conference seasons now - Big10, pac12... RR's defenses tend to actually worsen each year. Best stat years were beginning of his start at programs. With less of his own recruits. More of his predecessors.

I don't completely buy into the injuries reason as lone reason for this year. A factor sure, but not entire reason for poor defense. Recruiting, development, evaluation a factor. Remember, last years defense was not really that good either.

Offense side of ball has injuries. Many injuries. Lots of depth there. Not as big a drop off in production. But that's where the priorities are. On the Small side defensive players is what RR has done everywhere, including Michigan without Casteel. Philosophy to a degree for recruiting and schemes. Agility, speed, athletic ability to convert / play multiple positions. Fits into his schemes and football approach. Not all, but they routinely recruit tweeners to fit that philosophy. Waiting to see if RR will adjust or not.

Been saying. Casteel, other coaches could be fired, and EVERY indication RR would still run the 3-3-5. RR, hired two other DC'S not named Casteel to run the 3-3-5 at Michigan and they failed miserably. RR, directed the idea of 3-3-5 at WV, told Casteel and CTG to run it, went to Michigan, ran it. Fired 1st DC there, hired another DC and told him to run it again. EVERY indication

cordera89 wrote:

OSUCat wrote:There is a good possibility that the defense does not improve next year. Defensive line and the secondary has not improved from year to year, not just as a unit but each individual player. We get two LBs back (Scooby gone), but with the other units playing poorly that I don't know if they can make up the difference. Offense could be good (no center still) but that wasn't really the problem this year.

Thinking about it, I can see RR pulling Riley and leaving while his stock is high, his stock it could start going back down after a few more bad defensive teams.

You think RR is going to pull a Mike Riley move of what? leaving Arizona for better opportunity. RR isn't Riley.

Almost every coach would leave for a better opportunity. Lute excepted.

Fortunately for Arizona, with RR getting beat down badly by UCLA and Stanford, and losing to Wazzu, RR isn't on anyone's short list.

And like I keep saying, RR can't beat UCLA, and cannot beat rivals, so he better be content at Arizona for quite some time.

Merkin, I don't quite understand. I've seen you reference the UCLA and rival thing, but I don't understand the relevance to other teams. Maybe if you expect RR to get a top tier job (USC type), than yes, but there are a bunch of middle tier teams that would love to say they beat top 5 teams (Oregon) or have a 30-16 record in one of the hardest divisions in college football (Miami 28-22 in the Big East....). Sure South Carolina might be pushing it, but Miami wouldn't be.

Merkin wrote:

cordera89 wrote:

OSUCat wrote:There is a good possibility that the defense does not improve next year. Defensive line and the secondary has not improved from year to year, not just as a unit but each individual player. We get two LBs back (Scooby gone), but with the other units playing poorly that I don't know if they can make up the difference. Offense could be good (no center still) but that wasn't really the problem this year.

Thinking about it, I can see RR pulling Riley and leaving while his stock is high, his stock it could start going back down after a few more bad defensive teams.

You think RR is going to pull a Mike Riley move of what? leaving Arizona for better opportunity. RR isn't Riley.

Almost every coach would leave for a better opportunity. Lute excepted.

Fortunately for Arizona, with RR getting beat down badly by UCLA and Stanford, and losing to Wazzu, RR isn't on anyone's short list.

And like I keep saying, RR can't beat UCLA, and cannot beat rivals, so he better be content at Arizona for quite some time.

^^^ Yup

OSUCat wrote:Merkin, I don't quite understand. I've seen you reference the UCLA and rival thing, but I don't understand the relevance to other teams. Maybe if you expect RR to get a top tier job (USC type), than yes, but there are a bunch of middle tier teams that would love to say they beat top 5 teams (Oregon) or have a 30-16 record in one of the hardest divisions in college football (Miami 28-22 in the Big East....). Sure South Carolina might be pushing it, but Miami wouldn't be.

There are likely many schools that would like him, but not ones that are a sizable step up from UA.

We are 17-16 in conference and 2-1 in bowl games; given our OOC scheduling, those are the records that matter. Certainly respectable, but not anything that will raise a lot of eyebrows at the more desirable destinations.

We really need to beat ASU this year.

cordera89 wrote:

Newportcat wrote:

cordera89 wrote:What are you guys talking about. Your acting like RR making mental mistake of how he handling the team performance.

Umm so what exactly are you taking about

I am one prone to bad grammar but I have no idea what your post meant

don't play grammar unless you really don't how to read bad writing.

I seriously do not know what you were trying to say.

Rich Rod is making mental mistakes in terms of how he is handling the teams performance? Feel like I am some 80's game show trying to figure out the correct way to say something. Honestly, what are you trying to say???

[quote="RazorsEdgeAZ"][quote="Merkin"]I

I don't completely buy into the injuries reason as lone reason for this year. A factor sure, but not entire reason for poor defense. Recruiting, development, evaluation a factor. Remember, last years defense was not really that good either.

/quote]

THIS, our defense last year had one of the best defensive players in the history of the Pac 12 - Stats wise Scooby was yet we were really not that good. Worse then the season before. I knew going into this year if we lost Scooby it could get ugly and well YEP...really ugly.

Its not like TuriTuri was a world beater last year either. Guy was ok but nothing special.

Newportcat wrote:

cordera89 wrote:

Newportcat wrote:

cordera89 wrote:What are you guys talking about. Your acting like RR making mental mistake of how he handling the team performance.

Umm so what exactly are you taking about

I am one prone to bad grammar but I have no idea what your post meant

don't play grammar unless you really don't how to read bad writing.

I seriously do not know what you were trying to say.

Rich Rod is making mental mistakes in terms of how he is handling the teams performance? Feel like I am some 80's game show trying to figure out the correct way to say something. Honestly, what are you trying to say???

If you can't decipher cordera's garbled up posts now just give up. Nothing new with this guy if you ever ventured over to scout. Says he has no problem with spelling or grammar but, yeah......

Yawl the ones that with higher education don't know how to understand. Mental mistake what the hell is going on with Solomon playing like garbage and Randall playing with confidence on offense. Why is it that Casteel cant find no body on that defense roster to play defense. Something has to give at this point now.

cordera89 wrote:Yawl the ones that with higher education don't know how to understand. Mental mistake what the hell is going on with Solomon playing like garbage and Randall playing with confidence on offense. Why is it that Casteel cant find no body on that defense roster to play defense. Something has to give at this point now.

They have. You can find them on the injured list.

Gonna be interesting: