Bill Stewart will lead the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Fiesta Bowl. He takes over where Rich "Rat"riguez left off. Bill is one of those guys you can count on to do what's necessary for the good of the team. He's been coaching with Ratriguez since Glenville, and knows the system well.
Several coaches have been mentioned as possible long-term replacements:
- Rick Trickett, the former WVU offensive line coach who left for Florida State this year.
Why did he leave?
He saw through Rodriguez's lies and bullshit. Apparently, Rich Rod promised Trickett a lot and never came through.
Sound familiar?!
- Doc Holliday, a former Mountaineer player and coach who was one of the main recruiters for Don Nehlen.
Holliday's been a longtime assistant at a number of different schools. One has to ask why he was only a head coach at the high school level.
- Terry Bowden, a WVU graduate who led Auburn to an 11-0 record then left in the middle of the next season.
There are several rumors as to why Bowden left—but he's always wanted to coach at WVU. He applied when Rodriguez was chosen.
- Jimbo Fisher, FSU's offensive coordinator.
Fisher has strong family ties in Clarksburg, WV, and is a WVU alum. He's the heir apparent to Bobby Bowden at FSU—and comes with an inflated price tag because of a $2.5 million buyout clause.
Jimbo also wanted the job when Rodriguez got it.
Nothing on the other whispers out there. Nick Saban is still a rumor. Steve Spurrier has also been mentioned, along with the Boise State coach.
I don't know if this is truth or wishful thinking, but these are elite names. Seems like we always looks for the truth in West Virginia and hear nothing but rumors.
Whoever takes over the program will have a team loaded with talent and experience—dynamic running backs, a veteran line, a stacked defense.
If he coaches right, he could earn something Rodriguez never achieved at West Virginia—a National Championship ring.
7 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
J Pat Dyer about 1 year ago
I usually would say, hire in state because it brings a built in loyalty to the program, but that didn't work out so well with Rodriguez.
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willis perrine about 1 year ago
I like Trickett and hope we can keep Bill Stewart. It would be nice if Steve would come to WV becuase it would fit and our recruits would stay and many would be knocking on our door. Good by Rod and never come back to WV and I hope you take all your family with you................
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Renee about 1 year ago
What about Bud Foster. That's the man I am hoping comes to WVU. Either him, or Doc Holliday.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
Parkersburg paper said that Holliday is the choice
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Steve Winters about 1 year ago
Bill Stewart is a good man. I was lucky enough to be coached by him at Sistersville High in 1975. He is a true Mountaineer! WVU is lucky to have him.
If named as the Head Coach, I know he would stay and give 110%. If he chooses not to take the job, then WVU should pursue Skip Holtz of East Carolina.
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les Bal about 1 year ago
We are all blessed to be Mountaineers!! I know the state has its problems economically, but the True Blue and Gold at least gives us repite from the duldrums and a time for getting our minds off the hard times here!! Thank you Lord for blessing our Beloved Mountaineers..
I believe now that Rod was going to leave for Bama really last year...probably now wishes he had..it is going to cost him ..(or someone) 4 big smackers...The real story about Rod isn't about football probably...Well, I am proud of the Mountaineers and the Doc Holiday connection will always be a good one if he can take over....can you imagine the big TV dates ...Doc Holiday and Mountaineers at the OK Corral...Folks..its going to be a real gun fight on the field with Pitt and the Doc ...This would be great logo image for recruiting and Doc is a great solid WVU Alumnus..Too bad that Rod fired him when he came...It is better now though, Doc has a National Championship Ring to recruit with!
Go Mountaineers
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Emily Snyder about 1 year ago
I'm from New Martinsville and a friend (our fathers grew up together) of Billy Stewart. I can tell you from a personal level that he is one of the nicest men I've ever known. No matter what happens with WVU in the future, he has made all of us proud from New Martinsville and anyone who knows him. He is strong, eloquent, and a fighter. We West Virginians are thriving people, and if coach Rodriguez wants to go, let him go. He'll never find the pride that came from being coach of the mountaineers.
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