Before we get to the usual Monday quick hits, Arizona Wildcats coach Rich Rodriguez addressed his future at the school during his weekly news conference at the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility. Here’s what he had to say about his job security in light of the Wildcats’ 2-9 record and eight-game losing streak:
“I don’t know what you guys are writing. It’s not because I don’t believe in your journalistic skills or what you’re doing; you can write or report whatever you want. I think you guys, unless I hear otherwise, have been pretty fair. When you don’t have success, the criticism comes with it. And then questions about job security come with it.
“Last year wasn’t a great year; it was a very average year. This year was an awful year. If one awful year makes people want to get rid of you, then … Like I said before, other people’s opinions are really no business of mine. I hate to say this – this is not critical of you all – your opinions are no business of mine either. I shouldn’t be judging what you say or write. Obviously you can make your opinion on it. I think we have a great future here. Sometimes when a coach says that (during) a terrible year (people say) he’s just trying to play the optimistic approach.
“Folks, I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve been a head coach a long time. This is obviously … this a year you couldn’t foreshadow or certainly expect or want. But the reason I’m optimistic is because I know what’s in the program daily, I know what’s coming in the program in this recruiting cycle and I know the administration and support that I’ll have to help us go forward. It’ll make us enjoy it when we win a championship in the Pac-12 even more so, I guess. I would just rather not have this kind of year to make us enjoy it that much.
“But to answer your question, everything has been positive from my talks with (AD) Greg (Byrne) or anybody associated with the school.”
And now for the quick hits:
* Rodriguez reminded the team of the importance of Friday’s game against Arizona State. He dubbed the Territorial Cup “the biggest game we play.”
* Rodriguez said he’s extremely proud of the senior class for the effort they have given this year and throughout their careers.
* The team will have a meeting and a walk-through today, which is normally its day off. The Wildcats’ off day this week will be Saturday.
* Rodriguez said the team got back from Oregon about 4:30 a.m. Sunday. He went home for an hour or two before coming to the office.
* Rodriguez said there were no concerns about quarterback Anu Solomon suffering a concussion during the Oregon State game. He was slow to get up a handful of times and eventually exited because of a toe injury.
* Rodriguez said senior “Spur” safety Tellas Jones did not start against OSU because he had missed too much practice time due to injuries. He is listed as a co-starter this week with freshman Tristan Cooper.
* Rodriguez became emotional while discussing son Rhett Rodriguez, the quarterback at Catalina Foothills who’s coming to Arizona next season. RichRod needed about 45 seconds to compose himself. He will be able to watch Rhett play Saturday morning in the Class 4A state championship game against Scottsdale Saguaro in Glendale.
* Rodriguez said the biggest reason the offensive line is struggling is a lack of continuity. Arizona has had six starting combinations in 11 games, including a different one each of the past three weeks.
