From a WVU fan and former Rich Rod fan.
Here is what you get:
Good offense. But is completly predicated on the read option so the QB has got to have some legs. RR failed at Michigan, in part, b/c he was playing Tate Forcier and some other kid who couldnt runt he ball.
Passing: WR screens and bubble screens. It will drive you mad at times but with the right athletes they can break out and scrore from anywhere on the field.
Running: Read option plays. A one cut, fast RB will do wonders in this offense. A quick running QB is a neccessity.
Defense: Forget about it. You will see that he will recruit 4 kids on offense to 1 on defense. He isnt interested in the defense and rarely does he practice it. Your DC is in a tough spot. RR will not allow over recruiting on defense and he has readily admitted scoring points wins games. WVU was so good under him becase they had the 2-time DC of the year in Jeff Casteel. (still at wvu) He made something out of nothing using the odd stack 3-3-5 defense. RR, when he went to Michigan, insisted they run that defense even though his DC hadnt run it before. Michigans defense was awful, and they still are only average after his departure. RR went through 2 DC's in 3 years at Michigan. He handcuffs them and you will get frustrated. No more 'Desert Swarm' .
Coaching - Stubborn as hell. When WVU lost the infamous 13-9 game to Pitt as the #2 team in the country, (while being 26 pt favorites) RR wouldnt deviate his game plan of read option, bubble screens, QB draws. I am not syaing thats what lost the game, but it was a large part of it. Whne he left for UM and WVU played Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, Calvin Maghee (the OC who is now at Pitt) opened the play book, passed and play actioned and WVU kicked the crap out of OK 48-24.
Many players on wvu, after RR left, said that practice was more nejoyable now b/c they werent constantly being berratted and cursed out. Make no Mistake, RR is a screamer (No stoops sideline outburst type screamer, but a screamer) and he will dress a player or coach down in public w/o a second thought. At first you might like the change-of-pace, but when you see players scared to make a mistake and get tight on the field, it will become frustrating.
The guys from RR staff at WVU and UM that you will want to see RR bring with him b/c they are good assistant coaches are: Calvin Maghee-RR right hand man, but took a job at PItt once RR got fired. Not sure if he would join RR next year or not, but good offense mind, good with players, and knows how to semi-control RR. Doug Barwis -Strength and conditioning coach - yeller and screamer like RR but knows his stuff. Really transformed WVU and Michigan in terms of new strength and conditioning techniques.
Stay away from - Tony Gibson. I believe he went to Pitt too but he is RR's lackey and a terrible coach. He is a DB coach but usually is invloved in game planning and anything else RR wants him to do. He is a disaster and has had several complaints against him from WVU and Michigan players. Cant coach a lick.
Overall you should see RR flourish if you have any talent on the team offensivley. Defense will be maddening for you and who he gets as DC will be interesting. I agree he should do better at UA but I am concerned that he has zero west coast ties. If he brings in all his staff from the WVU and UM holdover days you might be introuble.
Good luck and get ready for a high-octane offense. He will make sure of that!
Love it!
