Let's face it—the WVU administration hasn't made many great decisions lately concerning their football coaching staff.
Bickering over school books and sideline passes cost them Rich Rodriguez. Contract issues cost them Jimbo Fisher.
The Mountaineer brass have also looked at Butch Jones, Terry Bowden, and Doc Holliday—but after the Fiesta Bowl, it's clear they have exactly what they need:
A coach who cares more about his players than himself.
Bill Stewart is the kind of coach you come back and hug years after you're done playing. He's a man of integrity and kindness, and the sort of father figure young college players need.
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Couple that with the offensive smarts of Calvin Magee and Co., and you have a winning combination without a prima donna attitude.
What you have, in fact, is what West Virginia is known for: nice people who work hard.
WVU would be fortunate to keep this group together after their performance against a great Oklahoma team. Magee was never given the chance to show his offensive genius before the Fiesta Bowl, because Rodriguez would never let him make the play calls.
That came back to haunt WVU in the Pitt loss, when Rodriguez refused to use the plays Magee called down from the booth. That info comes directly from the Mountaineer football team.
Rodriguez's hard head cost him the Pitt game, the respect of his former players at WVU, and the admiration of the entire state of West Virginia. Now he's a man without a home state.
As for Stewart—he's smart enough to allow the talents of both the coaching staff and the players to rule the day.
Bill Stewart, with Magee's help, earned a Fiesta Bowl win against a team many people (including Lee Corso) considered to be the No. 1 squad in the country.
These same guys will bring WVU a national title if they're given the chance.
It's said that Nice Guys finish last. West Virginia would be smart to let this Nice Guy finish first.
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8 months ago
WELL PUT!!!
GO 'EERS!!!
8 months ago
I wasn't sure at first what to make of this decision... But after reading what the players themselves have all had to say, Stew obviously deserves a chance! I have no trouble at all rallying my full support behind him, and I truly hope he can keep good things going. Sounds like he deserves it!
8 months ago
does anyone think there's a resonable chance that Magee will decide to stay at WVU?
from 8 months ago
If Pastilong was worth a damn he would go to Stewart and tell him to do what he has to do to make Magee stay. Imagine: Where would we be now if Rodriguez hadn't overruled Magee and changed the plays? Jarrett Brown is a decent player(remember the Rutgers game last season), but he looked lost and so did the rest of the team. Thank god Bill stewart was there to reel them in and boost them up. Maybe Gov. Manchin could continue to put his nose into University business and try and back door a deal with Magee?
8 months ago
I don't think there is a team in this country that could have beaten West Virginia last night. We will see where they land in the final poll. There stock just went up to where it was before the Pitt game. Should be great for recruiting. Plus, you have Pat White (and probably Steve Slaton) returning next year. White, Slaton and Devine in the backfield... I'm getting season tickets! P.S. Thanks to Owen Schmitt and the rest of the seniors, you gave us a lot of fun to watch on and off the field. I hope you go high in the draft. The whole team has given me renewed belief in what college football should be all about. Integrity, Respect and Class. Let's Go Mountaineers!
8 months ago
Wouldn't it be wonderful if McGee actually stayed. I believe that Rodriguez would probably throw a wrench in it somehow. But then again, turnabout is fairplay!
8 months ago
I'm a little embarrassed to say it, but I never knew Calvin Magee was such an amazing offensive coordinator until last night. If there is even a remote chance that he could stay with us, I would hope WVU will utilize any money saved from Rodriguez's salary to keep him. He is obviously a very important part of the WVU recipe for success.
When you say "that info comes directly from the Mountaineer football team," did you receive those reports firsthand?
8 months ago
Should be Jeff Casteel.
8 months ago
Stewart was head coach at VMI from 1994-96, compiling an 8-25 record. How can you decide on just one game? Big mistake, recruiting will go down, the players won that game last night, not Rods offense, not coach Stew, o well, more turmoil in future. Just shouldn’t let the players decide such a important decision. Puts a damper on such a great game, all a emotional hire, bummer.
8 months ago
The kids love this guy. They were chanting "Stew stew stew stew" as they carried him on their shoulders.
8 months ago
You're right Ozzy, it was 100% an emotional decision. Unfortunately the WVU AD and President act as if someone should bow down and kiss-ass to be the WVU head coach. Don't get me wrong, it's a great job....right now. Wasn't that way years ago before Don Nehlen was the HC. WVU shorted themselves imo, and their fans, as well as players. I'm sure that Coach Stew is a great guy, but that doesn't mean one is a great head coach. We'll see how well he delegates authority, recruits, and is able to keep or obtain good assistant coaches. A program in WVU's position should be taking steps forward, not back, and unfortunately that's exactly what has taken place.
But I sinerely wish the BOL to Coach Stew and the Mounties forever!
8 months ago
Arizona Diamondbacks deep pockets Mr. Kendrick called Bill Stewart a painter compared to the architect Rich Rodriguez saying that our future is short lived. For that comment I would like to remind deep pockets that an architect can plan a design and never finish the product (much like Rod did) and you have nothing. The painter applies the finishing touches that allows the building to sell. So I would like to thank Mr. Kendrick for allowing me to take his terrible analogy and show the 'eer nation the positive of this decision.
Furthermore, for those that thing Rod is a loss, lets look back. A few years ago we had Miami, who was number one in the nation beat with a 4th and 14, Rod in all his coaching wisdom put 8 in the box, Winslow made us pay, big game down the drain. South Florida and Pitt Rod's ego would not allow us to make easy game plan changes that would have changed the outcome. See you later Rod, you will fail at Michigan and enjoy working your first few years for free as we will be awaiting your check in the mail since you are in all reality paying Bill Stewarts salary for his entire contract.
1LT Whorton
US Army
8 months ago
Thanks for bringing up the Miami game - maybe the most obvious time the wrong defense was on the field for WVU. Rod can choke when it comes to the big game to say the least...
Bill Stewart is a class act. (The difference in his and Rod's salary should buy some decent assistant coaches for WVU.) The guy has been in the college coaching business for over 30 years my - he knows every aspect of the game is well respected by the players and the other coaches. He's going to rock that program and take it to the next level. He'll do that with experience, enthusiasm and chemistry.
Not that Rod was a bad coach... he wasn't bad... but he wasn't great. I think Stewart has potential to be great.
I will say I'm happy that Rod will be able to land in Arizona after a couple of years of failing to win the big one against OSU. I'm sure that Kendrick will help him find a nice condo... maybe even finance it for him.
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