‘Where’s My Statue?’: Rich Rodriguez Reflects on Turning Down Alabama Job — The Inside Story of a Coaching Decision That Could’ve Changed College Football History
In the ever-winding world of college football’s coaching carousel, few “what-ifs” loom as large as the day Rich Rodriguez turned down Alabama.
Yes, that Alabama — the powerhouse that would go on to dominate the sport for more than a decade under Nick Saban. But before Saban ever stepped foot in Tuscaloosa, it was Rodriguez, then head coach at West Virginia, who was on the cusp of becoming the next man to lead the Crimson Tide. The job was his — until he said no.
Now, nearly two decades later, Rodriguez has revisited that pivotal moment in college football history with candid reflection, dry wit, and a tinge of irony.
“Where’s my statue?” he quipped during a recent interview, highlighting how differently history might have unfolded had he taken the job in 2006. “If I had gone there and had the same success [Saban] did, I might already have one out front. But you never know. It’s easy to look back now and think about what could’ve been.”
The Offer That Could Have Altered the SEC
At the time, Rodriguez was riding high at West Virginia. His Mountaineers were known for their fast-paced spread offense and hard-nosed defense — a system that brought success and national attention to Morgantown. He had just led WVU to an 11-2 record and a thrilling win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama, meanwhile, was desperate for a resurgence after the failed Mike Shula experiment. With its once-mighty football program languishing in mediocrity, the university turned to Rodriguez, seeing him as a bright, innovative coach who could usher in a new era.
The deal was reportedly in place. Rodriguez had met with Alabama officials, toured the facilities, and even discussed contracts. Everything was lined up — until it wasn’t.
“It came down to family, loyalty, and gut feeling,” Rodriguez said. “At that moment, staying at West Virginia felt right. I had players I believed in, a staff I trusted, and a community that supported me.”
But college football, like life, rarely offers second chances. And while Rodriguez remained in Morgantown for one more year before a controversial departure to Michigan, Alabama quickly moved on.
And the rest is history.
Enter Saban, Exit Regret?
Shortly after Rodriguez turned the job down, Alabama secured Nick Saban, then with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. What followed became the gold standard of modern college football: six national championships, dozens of first-round NFL draft picks, and a dynasty that transformed the SEC landscape.
“I’m not going to lie — I watched what Nick did and thought, ‘Wow.’ He built an empire,” Rodriguez admitted. “But I don’t regret staying true to who I was at the time. I did what I thought was right.”
Still, Rodriguez wonders aloud what might’ve been.
“I think I could’ve succeeded there, sure,” he said. “Would it have been six national titles? Who knows. But Alabama has the resources, the passion, the recruiting base. It’s a dream setup. And I had a system that was working.”
From West Virginia to Michigan to ULM
After ultimately leaving West Virginia in 2007, Rodriguez’s path took a rockier turn. He lasted three turbulent years at Michigan, where he struggled to find traction amidst high expectations and cultural mismatches. Later, he found more success at Arizona, before moving through several other roles, including offensive coordinator positions and analyst stints.
In 2022, he took over as head coach at Jacksonville State, guiding the program through its FBS transition and restoring some of his reputation as a program-builder. As of 2025, he remains one of the sport’s most experienced — and most introspective — coaching minds.
“I’ve had great moments, and I’ve had tough ones,” Rodriguez said. “But I’ve always loved coaching. That hasn’t changed.”
The Legacy That Might Have Been
As fans reflect on the “what-ifs” of college football, few decisions carry the weight or ripple effect of Rodriguez turning down Alabama. Had he accepted the job, Nick Saban may have stayed in the NFL, Alabama’s dynasty might never have happened, and the SEC power balance could have shifted dramatically.
Rodriguez is aware of the implications — and embraces the irony with good humor.
“Sometimes people joke, ‘Man, you really changed college football history by saying no,’” he said. “And I just smile and say, ‘Yeah… so where’s my statue?’”
In a sport where legacies are often measured in championships and banners, Rich Rodriguez’s career is a reminder that choices — even the ones we second-guess — can shape destinies far beyond a single sideline.
