The 2006 Alabama coaching search had a major ripple effect across multiple college football programs, with West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez playing a pivotal role. At the time, Rodriguez had essentially agreed to replace Mike Shula as Alabama’s head coach, and his family had even begun preparations to move to Tuscaloosa. But in a dramatic turn, he chose to stay at WVU. Alabama then turned to Nick Saban — and the rest is history.
Reflecting on the moment in a recent conversation with CBS Sports’ Josh Pate, Rodriguez acknowledged Saban’s legendary status, saying, “Coach Saban is the greatest college football coach of all time — no doubt.” He then joked, “I always ask, ‘Where’s my trophy in Tuscaloosa? Where’s my statue?’ If I had taken that job, Alabama probably doesn’t win six national titles.” He added that the episode illustrates how a single coaching decision can alter the course of multiple programs — a reality he’s come to appreciate over time.
Alabama had dismissed Shula on November 27, 2006, and while Saban was reportedly their top target, he declined to engage with the opportunity during his NFL season with the Miami Dolphins. As a result, Alabama explored other candidates, with Rodriguez emerging as a leading option after guiding West Virginia to consecutive 11-win campaigns.
According to AL.com, then-Alabama athletic director Mal Moore and search consultant Chuck Neinas flew to New York during the 2006 offseason to meet with Rich Rodriguez about the head coaching vacancy. A few days later, they met again in Tuscaloosa to finalize contract terms.
At the time, Ian Rapoport — now a prominent NFL insider — broke the news while working as a relatively unknown Alabama beat reporter for The Birmingham News. His scoop made national waves, prompting a strong response from West Virginia boosters, who quickly offered Rodriguez a hefty raise and upgrades to the football facilities. The offer was convincing enough for Rodriguez to turn down Alabama and remain in Morgantown. Rapoport later recalled watching a live feed of West Virginia players celebrating the news — a moment that led some to briefly question the accuracy of his reporting.
“If I could somehow convey just how awful it felt to hear the celebrations while knowing everything had fallen apart, I would,” Rapoport said in 2016. “It remains the worst feeling I’ve ever experienced.”
Rodriguez guided West Virginia to a 10-2 record in 2007 but departed before the team’s Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma to accept the head coaching job at Michigan. His tenure in Ann Arbor proved disappointing, with the Wolverines posting a 15-22 record over three seasons. He later served as head coach at Arizona from 2012 to 2017 and at Jacksonville State from 2022 to 2024, before making his return to West Virginia this offseason.
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