First of all, let me say this is the furthest thing from an anti JoePa article. Unfortunately, Joe Paterno, the head football coach of THE Penn State University is not getting any younger.
As you may well know, there have been opinions spanning the last three or four years that have cultivated many rumors of the future of Coach Paterno.
However, when the rumors and opinions begin to erupt, so does the continuing legacy of the best coach in the NCAA. When it seems the decision to get rid of Paterno is threatening, he always ends up taking care of business on the gridiron (that means football field for you soccer fans) thus, quieting his critics for yet another season.
Many rush to blame JoePa for the off-field antics, in which some PSU players have recently chosen to partake. Nevertheless, the parents of these overly rambunctious teens are still never mentioned as being contributors to such erratic behavior.
"It's the coach's fault these boys get into trouble, we all know their parents raised them so very well." That's just preposterous! Parents need to teach their children to act respectfully, especially when they are getting a free education.
Although, when a player decides to make a mockery of himself and his team, it is the responsibility of the coach to take a stand. At this point, the coach cannot allow a player to assume he can do what he wants, when he wants, for the simple fact that he's a great football player.
JoePa knows how to discipline. Just ask Austin Scott. Not only was JoePa's disciplinary action the best move for the football program but, the best for the young Mr. Scott as well.
Take former WVU players, Chris Henry and Adam 'Pacman' Jones for instance. Both had trouble on and off the field while playing for Rich Rodriguez. Coach Rod chose not to discipline them in the proper way. Look at where they are now. Nothing but trouble in the NFL.
OK, so the fact is JoePa is getting older. Some of the trustees for PSU sports would probably not beg him to stay if he hinted he wanted to leave. Furthermore, JoePa will never be forced to leave the program that he built into what it is today.
Now for the Wolverines. Keep in mind that the No. 1 reason that Coach Rod gave when asked why he left WVU to go to Michigan was "it's Michigan".
Of course he was speaking of the great football program and the history of the school. He has a good point but c'mon, everybody knows that Penn State is the dream job for any football coach.
So, watch out U-M. I imagine a statement something like this in the near future: "I left Michigan, No. 1, because it's Penn State and No. 2, my son has already committed to the Nittany Lions class of 2010. Oh yeah, and it's a lot closer to home..."
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7 months ago
So, watch out UM. I imagine a statement something like this in the near future: "I left Michigan, No. 1, because it's Penn State and No. 2, my son has already committed to the Nittany Lion class of 2010. Oh yeah, and it's a lot closer to home."
Oh just give it a rest already...
7 months ago
"He has a point but, c'mon everybody knows that Penn State is the dream job for any football coach. .."
I honestly choked when I read that sentence.. then I laughed a little bit... well, alot.
7 months ago
Homer.
7 months ago
This is easily one of the most painful pieces of writing I've ever read, and it has nothing to do with the ridiculous content of the fluff. I can't believe FightOnState.com links your "articles". They lose major credibility for that. Piece of advice for you: finish elementary school, then move on to making your work public.
Proof: "Paterno know show do discipline."
Wow. Annoyed that I wasted my time here.
7 months ago
To those who are afraid to leave their identity, keep in mind this article was edited after I wrote it. The editor messed up some of the writing.
7 months ago
You should revert it if it doesn't convey the message you want.
7 months ago
I'm not "afraid" to leave my identity, just have nothing to gain from doing so. It may also have something to do with not being a moron, but who knows?
And count me in the "Wow, this is about as amateurish of a blog there is" group. The editor must be high on Windex.
7 months ago
You make some good points here Scott, but you're leaving out a main character. The "true to the corn and blue" just don't seem to understand this guy named Mike Brown. He's had more to do with this entire mess than anyone from Michigan wants to talk about. The leverage for the future could indeed be PSU, or Florida State and yes, even Notre Dame. Keep in mind, Brown has still not allowed RR to sign the Michigan contract. So, just let the Michigan folk pretend Brown is not there!
from 7 months ago
Randy, You make valid points. If you look at my previous articles or www.thankscoachrod.com you can see on my blog that I am not a huge Mike Brown fan either. So I'm with ya on that. He wants so bad to be Jerry Mcguire...
Nino, I tried reverting to the original version but the system is messed up.
Anonymous, it's an article. It's for entertainment. I am glad it has done its job for you...
from 7 months ago
Ah the famous system. I know what you mean man, that thing has failed me in the past, thankfully the guys here are working on it.
7 months ago
As a WVU alumni and fan I wish you and all the other bitter WVU fans would just get over RR. Who cares if he coaches at Penn State in 2 years??? He doesn't coach WVU anymore, so I don't really care what happens. Would I like to see him lose every game for the rest of his career, absolutely, but that's not going to happen and if he's successful then good for he and UM. These type of obsessive RR articles just make all WVU fans look like we can't get over it when I'm not missing RR and his 4 plays at all.
7 months ago
So Rodriguez is going to leave WVU, got to Michigan for a year or two, and then after Paterno retires move to coach at Penn State?
That's a reach my friend.
You know something, WVU football is going to be just fine. It was fine without Bobby Bowden. It was fine without Don Nehlen (you actually owe Michigan huge for that one, btw), and it will be fine without Rich Rodriguez. The winning tradition is established in Morgantown and WVU fans always fill that stadium.
Michigan football has been average, if you ask me, since Bo left in 1989. One 12-0-0 season in 1997 and the rest have been 9-3-0 seasons or worse. Most programs would kill for that average, but in my mind Rodriguez and his staff bring some excitement and new energy to an oversized, stuffy and over-traditional football program. Long term, Michigan will do well with Rodriguez, IMO, mainly because he and his staff bring ingenuity and and a tireless work ethic to UM.
Penn State has a long tradition too, and I think they'll be OK after Joe Paterno too. I think Greg Schiano will likely take over for JoePa, not Rodriguez.
As for discipline, I think you need to do more research before you paint every coach with the same brush. In the discipline department, I don't consider JoePa to be a slouch. He is the same ilk of Nehlen, Schembechler, Hayes. Rodriguez maybe less of a disciplinarian, but 2 bad eggs does not a poor disciplinarian make. Why did you not include Barry Switzer, Rick Neuheisel or Phil Fulmer as more appropriate targets of inconsistent discpline in college football, we'll never know.
7 months ago
Anonymous Alumni person: This is Bleacher Report dot com. It is not USA Today. It's a site for articles that are interesting and sometimes a little funny. I honestly don't care where RR goes or if he wins or loses. Fact is, he is pretty doggone good. However, he must expect a little flack for the way he left WVU, and it's quite fun for me to write about my ponderings.
Markus: My article is a "far reach" but also a possibility. But, it's an interesting thing to think about. Something to get readers' attention. It's obviously working. WVU will be better without Rod. I never said they wouldn't be. I don't know who will get the job after Paterno an honestly after Paterno is gone, I won't care. Unless of course it's RR, then I'm gonna write another article just for you. As far as discipline, This article was meant to be praising JoePa for his actions. Not sure where you were thinking. I really didn't compare any coaches other than Rod and JoePa and it was more of a contrast, so I'm not sure what you mean with the paint brush comment.
Hope you all enjoy reading. Thanks for the comments.
7 months ago
Yes, this is an "open source sports network". But I think the intent is to still keep the articles somewhat objective/factual and not so whimsical. At least keep it professional and maybe third person. It's not a blog; save your opinions for the comments section. And if you're going to reference situations that you're going to criticize, be specific. "Although, when a player decides to make..." Know you're audience. Not everyone follows Penn State to know what you're talking about.
However, I do follow football enough to know that no one is going to take a step up in their career and then fiddle around between rival schools just because it's PSU. As for the most desired coaching job in college football... who would want to follow someone who's been the identity of the football program for nearly a half decade? And the whole time you're talking about discipline like it's something that will get Joe Pa fired. We all know that will never happen. The only thing that had any substance, or reason for RR to want to be at PSU was that his son will somehow get picked up by PSU. It's a reason for RR to be there, but just as far fetched as Joe Pa being fired. I just felt like I was reading some teenager's myspace page.
7 months ago
Yes, I'm sorry PSU fans. Please replace decade with century. Maybe I was thinking of how much time he has left...
6 months ago
Mike,
I was not attempting to reference a specific instance in the line that you quoted. It was a general statement. I also want to make it clear that I am a JoePa fan. My point is clear that there are folks who would love to see him gone and would use these ignorant "discipline" arguments. As far as "myspace", I have never seen a myspace page get as many reads as this article has in such a short time.
6 months ago
So...JoePa disciplines, Rodriguez doesn't, and somehow Penn State will be interested in a lenient coach like Rodriguez? I'm pretty sure PSU has had a succession plan in place for awhile, just like Free Shoes University, and I bet it mentions nothing about Rodriguez. Your logic seems hazy in a few areas, but you are right about at least one thing: Rodriguez will probably bolt Michigan for a better offer in less than 5 years. Apparently, it's what all the cool kids are doing in collegiate coaching circles these days.
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