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Arizona Football: 3 Takeaways from Rich Rod’s postgame press conference

By Shereen Rayan

Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats tight end Matt Morin (15) carries the ball past USC Trojans defenders during the second half at Arizona Stadium. The Trojans won 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats tight end Matt Morin (15) carries the ball past USC Trojans defenders during the second half at Arizona Stadium. The Trojans won 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Takeaway No. 1 – Everyone has an opinion

When Rodriguez was asked about all the losses and what he  would say to unhappy fans, Rich’s response was reasonable. “I can’t control people’s opinions,” he said, “Other people’s opinions are other people’s opinions, I can’t control it.”

Zona Zealots has the benefit of hearing from and conversing with fans with a variety of views. Some we agree with, and some we don’t. Our Contributors and Experts don’t always agree as well. One thing we all agree on is that putting down the players and calling for the coaches head is not reasonable.

Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez looks on prior to facing the USC Trojans at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Rich Rodriguez looks on prior to facing the USC Trojans at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

In this era of recruiting, consistency may be the best way to rebuild. Plus a lot of fans and the media enjoy Rich Rodriguez. As a fellow writer confessed to me, “We get him starting Monday, when he is in a much more jovial mood.” Basically, if you just catch him after a loss on a Sunday, you may come away with a different opinion. Honestly, the mom in me just wanted to put down my iPad and go hug him! The loss was obviously insufferable for our coach.

Rodriguez started the season with humor, as if he saw the writing on the wall regarding this season, knowing it will take a couple of years before anyone sees the benefits of the new coaching staff’s defense and recruiting class. Then he and his team was hit with a disaster; losing a key to their offense, senior center Zach Hemmila.

That said, do we want to act like USC fans and ask to fire a coach as they come off of a team plane after a loss? Or Oregon fans who have one down year and it’s time to bring out the pitchforks?

If you are not in the program, not working with the team, not his boss Greg Byrne, your opinion is your opinion. We implore you to voice your opinion in a civil way without intentionally attempting to hurt players or coaches. When you hurt players, you hurt their families too.

Rich Rod appreciates Arizona fans, says they are significant to the program and support the team. “Hey if they aren’t happy with not winning, hey, nobody over here is either.” He blamed himself for play calling, and took responsibility for the state of the team, at least what he can control. No excuses except Injuries, which is valid, but depth would help.

Here is Denver Bronco safety Will Parks opinion on Coach Rod, support coming from Parks:

https://twitter.com/phillywill11/status/787504011955937282

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