Manchin: WVU still merits $4m from buyout clause
December 20, 2007

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Joe Manchin doesn't believe West Virginia University reneged on its promises to Rich Rodriguez, which is what supporters of the former head football coach say triggered his exit to the University of Michigan.

"All I've seen is mammoth improvements, tremendous improvements," Manchin said Thursday.

The governor cited the 70 percent boost to Rodriguez's pay, increased salaries for his coaching staff and a $2 million academic center for athletes.

"I don't know the intricacies of it. I'm speaking as a fan," Manchin said.

The governor earlier called on WVU to hold Rodriguez, a lifelong friend, to the $4 million buyout clause in its contract with him.

Since then, several wealthy donors to the school have alleged WVU let down its coach.

Manchin said Thursday that he doesn't care who pays.

"Whoever, I just want West Virginia to get the $4 million," the governor said. "If someone is generous enough to pay it, that's fine."

The No. 11 Mountaineers (10-2) play No. 3 Oklahoma (11-2) in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 2.

Rodriguez initially told WVU he planned to leave the day after the bowl game, but then announced he would not be coaching the bowl game and resigned Tuesday.

He led West Virginia to four Big East championships and a 60-26 record in seven seasons. His possible replacements include former Auburn coach Terry Bowden, Florida assistant coach Doc Holliday and Central Michigan coach Butch Jones.

Associate head coach Bill Stewart is overseeing the team as it prepares for the Fiesta Bowl.

Manchin visited the team in Morgantown on Thursday and told the players that the state is behind them.

"It was very emotional and it hit them right in the heart where it was supposed to hit," Stewart said. "He talked about forging steel in the midst of a fire and I thought it was very, very good. As only Gov. Manchin can do, he had us ready to go."

This article appeared on the Yahoo Sports website on Thursday, December 20, 2007.