Dear WVU: Don't Hire Terry Bowden

The other day, Michigan hired Rich Rodriguez as their new head coach. I'll assume the readership of D&F knows the back story there, so I won't waste time with the details. Except for this one - on his way to the airport, Rich encountered several irate WVU fans who felt betrayed that he was leaving the Mountaineers for the big leagues. Yes, that's right. The Big East is a farm league compared to the Big 10 / Big 12 / SEC. I think the performance of USF, Louisville, and Rutgers confirmed that the Big East is not ready for the same respect level that the previously mentioned conferences enjoy.

I digress - WVU fans should be thanking Rich for his time and what he was able to do with their program. They also need to realize that when a Michigan (or any other legendary program) comes calling, and you're at a WVU-type school, you get on the first thing smoking to that next opportunity.

Shortly after Rich's departure, Terry Bowden announced he would like to take the job, stating something like it's his dream job, or something. I did not know this, but Terry was a running back for WVU back in the day (1977-1978). Coincidentally, Bobby Bowden coach at WVU just before beginning his tenure at FSU. I'm sure Bobby had absolutely nothing to do with Terry getting the RB spot - more on this later.

WVU does not need to hire Terry Bowden. I know there's some people at that school that are impressed with his last name, but trust me - I know from experience that Terry does not even begin to fill Dad's shoes. Actually, Bobby hasn't done too hot these past couple years (perhaps he's more interested in Oakley and Burger King commercials).

While at Auburn, Terry was an absolutely horrible coach. He made horrible decisions, and his recruiting was atrocious. Yes, I know he had an undefeated season, but that was with Pat Dye's players. After Pat's recruits were out of the picture, Terry was barely over 50% with wins. And then there's the circumstances surrounding his departure from Auburn - no specific details are readily available, but the rumors involved a trustee's daughter or student assistant, or something along those lines. Use your imagination.

Bobby Bowden has done great things throughout his career. His sons, however, are not doing so hot. There's ramblings at Clemson about Tommy getting the boot; Terry's been stuck in commentator land since resigning from Auburn, and Jeff worked for his Dad up until last year when he resigned after FSU was shut-out by Wake Forrest. I'm not sure what he's doing now.

So, WVU - I know the idea of having a Bowden at the helm of your football program may seem pretty cool. And he's even an alum, which makes for good PR, but you will be much better off finding a D-2 or FCS (new name for D-1AA) coach that's looking for a move to a good program in D-1.

P.S. - Terry's also really, really short. I'm talking ompa-loompa short. You don't want a head coach that looks like the kid who's supposed to go get the kicking tee after kick-off. That's just confusing to everyone.