Are you Excited about the Hire?

**StLouisClone** · 12-20-2008, 01:23 PM

I like what I'm learning about Rhoads. You know he must have had something going for him as Pitt hired him to be defensive coordinator in 2000 when he was a virtual unknown at ISU. Rhoads helped Pitt turn its program around. Pitt's records before (2-9, 5-6) and after (7-5, 9-4) Rhoads arrived prove that. Then you have the great story about Tubberville trying to hire Rhoads in 2002 but hiring Chizik instead. Wannstedt retains Rhoads when he comes to Pitt in 2005, but Tubberville finally gets his man after Muschamp goes to Texas to replace Chizik who went to ISU. Lots of ironies here.

Did you know that Pitt went to 5 bowl games in the 7 years Rhoads was there including the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in 2005? That's after Pittsburgh won only 28 games in the 8 seasons before Rhoads arrived.

It looks very much like Rhoads was on his way to becoming a head coach somewhere. He was probably in line to takeover for Tubberville someday had Auburn not made the crazy, irrational decision to fire Tubberville.

**Cyclone06** · 12-20-2008, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by CyCy

I guess I'm a little disappointed after looking at the defensive numbers from Pitt.

From 2003-2007 Pitt defense. Points allowed - Finished 3rd in the Big East once, 4th twice and 6th twice. Yardage allowed - Finished 2nd in the league once, 5th twice and 7th twice.

Doesn't look like a defense that was dominating the league.

When did Dave Wannestead take over? When he came in, he literally "took over" the D.

**StLouisClone** · 12-20-2008, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by CyCy

I guess I'm a little disappointed after looking at the defensive numbers from Pitt.

From 2003-2007 Pitt defense. Points allowed - Finished 3rd in the Big East once, 4th twice and 6th twice. Yardage allowed - Finished 2nd in the league once, 5th twice and 7th twice.

Doesn't look like a defense that was dominating the league.

So you're disappointed that his teams finished in the top half of the league every season!

We're talking about Pittsburgh here. Not Auburn or Texas. Pittsburgh was one of the worst programs in the country before they hired Walt Harris and then Harris hired Paul Rhoads.

**isuno1fan** · 12-20-2008, 01:30 PM

I waited to do some more research and then voted yes.

Can't find anyone with a bad thing to say about CPR. I remember when Chiz came and the Texas boards pretty much said we could have him as they weren't that impressed. AU boards show nothing but respect for CPR and that seems to follow him everywhere he has been.

As long as he can recruit and fill his staff with good coaches, I think we are in good hands.

**uro cy** · 12-20-2008, 01:32 PM

So.....can I clear my cookies, and keep voting for the next 4 hours, so I can win this thing?

**cyman1189** · 12-20-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by uro cy

So.....can I clear my cookies, and keep voting for the next 4 hours, so I can win this thing?

that was just useful during the capitalone mascot challenge

. but i spose you could go for it again

**CarlSpackler** · 12-20-2008, 01:40 PM

I'll be anxious to see who he picks for OC. With a good defense and a OK offense, you could be able to squeak out a some wins in the Big 12 that you have no business winning.

**Jonecy** · 12-20-2008, 02:37 PM

I really like this hire and trust JP's judgement. More than anything, I'm excited that Rhoads seems to be a guy who really appreciates Iowa State for what it is and truly wants to make the program better - Looking back, I'm not really sure Chizik ever had that appreciation or that underlying drive that Coach Rhoads has.

I cringed at the thought of a Stoops, Bowden or Barnett type of hire representing ISU b/c even though they have HC experience and possibly could have won a few games earlier, I don't feel like they have the character and enthusiasm for ISU that Rhoads has either and that's really important to me.

Personally, I'd rather take a risk on a guy like Rhoads and potentially fail while doing things the "right way," then to hire a coach that will get us a few wins at the cost of ISU's integrity.

Jamie Pollard, Coach Rhoads and the players all have my undying support. There's a lot of work to do before we get to where we want to be, but we will get there if we keep working hard and keep helping each other back up when we fall down. GO CYCLONES!

**ckjonathan** · 12-20-2008, 02:50 PM

Yes, Rhoads definitely also will bring back the importance to the ISU v. Iowa rivalry. Nothing I hate more than going into Kinnick and watching the sidelines stand there like it's just another game. We also cashed in on character, intensity, and long term future. Biggest question I have is recruiting.

**Scott34** · 12-20-2008, 02:53 PM

I am excited about this hire for the simple fact that we should get a lot of passion along with a good coach. He is a hire that wants to be here and has a pretty good track record. Hope that all our current players can gel with him and start working hard for next year. GOOD LUCK CLONES!!!!!!!

**Bobber** · 12-20-2008, 02:54 PM

I think this a solid and very safe hire.

Will be very intersted in hearing the guy talk.

After Mean Gene, am looking forward to some stablity.

**Cyclonestate78** · 12-20-2008, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by ACAsteve

Jaime & Rhodes will both be gone in 3 years.
Get used to the basement cause that's where we will be the next 3 years.
We hire an unemployed DC will no HC experience at any level?
No way anybody TRUTHFULLY gets excited about this pick.
Wish him luck cause he is going to need alot of it.

Agreed.

**cloneluke80** · 12-20-2008, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by ACAsteve

Jaime & Rhodes will both be gone in 3 years.
Get used to the basement cause that's where we will be the next 3 years.
We hire an unemployed DC will no HC experience at any level?
No way anybody TRUTHFULLY gets excited about this pick.
Wish him luck cause he is going to need alot of it.

Great first post, sounds like you would be upset with cold ice cream.

**BigBake** · 12-20-2008, 03:43 PM

First off - I will support and cheer him on as our coach with passion.

With that said I can't be "happy" about this hire. Only because I ISU really needed a proven head coach that could change the direction of this program.

What I will say is to the negative ninnies who will be out in force in 2 -3 years IF we aren't "bowling" to remember the last two coaching searches. We were unable to lure away anyone else's successful HC . Instead of dumping our coach because we're aren't progressing like we should and hiring "Hot Coach Joe" from University of Whoville that we are better off staying the course and taking our time. Wow...kinda reminds me of a certain bball coaching situation.