Though I didn’t see it personally, I’ve already had three people text me about KDKA reporting on their 6pm news that defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads is thisclose to leaving for the same DC job at Auburn. Apparently Rhoads and Auburn HC Tommy Tuberville were seen meeting together today, and there have been rumors of this move happening for a week or so. They’ve been quiet rumors though, and reaction to this from Pitt fans is probably mixed:
— We want to keep him: Pitt held one of the best offenses in the NCAA to 7 points and played and amazing game. There were different blitz packages and schemes and we were able to keep great containment on White, Slaton, and Devine. Actually, we saw enough improvement during the last few games that there was hope for an even better defense in 2008.
On the other hand…
— Up until then, the defense was horrible. We never blitzed, never made any adjustments during the game, and saw almost no improvement. It’s been said that near the end of the year, Rhoads was simply Wannstedt’s puppet, and DW fully controlled the defense using Rhoads as a middle-man. In that sense, maybe having Rhoads leave isn’t so bad. Anyone that replaces him would have a defensive unit that is fully Wannstedt’s.
Again, these are just rumors, but they seem to be gaining some real possibility.
Edit: Really? Chas beat me by 12 minutes. Ah.
Much more interesting than watching Douche past FSU…
IIRC…the guys on the D side of the ball are pretty loyal to Rhoades
DaveD
If you trust the page 2 of PantherLair.com on football commitment list,
link to pittsburgh.rivals.com
You see that Rhoads was hardly the lead recruiter for the class.
From this Auburn message board:
link to aunation.net
I want the guy who was responsible for the WVU gameplan to be the defensive coordinator next year, whomever that is.
I’ll wait til he’s quoted.
“I’m not going to Pitt.”
This week, “LSU is in it.” Guess he wants some SEC poon. If anyone thinks he’s going there, they are a moron.
He’s going to Michigan. 100%.
It was the way they presented it on the news. They definately tried to spin it as we are contenders. Maybe he realized that his recruitment was running second fiddle to PITT’s great recruiting class? Possibly he wanted to juice things up and bring attention back on himself. I had a short fantasy how PITT could destroy three programs in one year. We took out WVU allowing Coach Rod to Michigan. We get Pryor leaving Michigan w/o a QB because Mallet is leaving. This sets the stage for three losing seasons and Coach Rod on the unemployment line. PSU realizes they will now be insignificant in PA> next year and work behind the scenes to make it Joe Pa’s last year. We spend next year dominating the BE and in 2009 playing for the National Championship. Maybe I need to go to Recruiting Detox and enter a 12 step program.
WVU will still be punch drunk from the beat down we gave them. PSU will still be in shambles an we will still continue to benefit from Coach Paterno at the helm & Rich Rod will shoot himself in the foot with the violations arising out of an NCAA investigation. We will win the BE next year and shall contend for the NC in 2009.
Next.
I hope he choose a classy coach like Tressel over Frothy Dsicharge Rodgriuez.
I am still a little disappointed that Jenkins eliminated us from consideration before DW visit and the hiring of the new OL coach.
Does anyone have a clue if there are any more tricks up DW sleeves?
I watched Rhoades “Read & React D” Or as I like to call it “sit, wait, and then get bowled over D” for many years. He had Pro type talent on his teams and wasted it. We gave up BIG Yards on the ground year after year to any back with some skill.
If Auburn wants him they can have him. I would love to play them in a bowl with his stinky ass D in the game. Shady would be rolling for 250. I have have hated Rhoades for the better part of 7 years and I will be happy to see him go.
