On the docket today is case #17-14, Bill Stewart vs. the fans. Bill Stewart is accused of not being a good coach…
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Representing Bill Stewart and the defense is veteran PressBox Blogger Ernie.
Opening Statement:
Coach Stew has been wrongly accused and I’m here to explain why. Nobody likes to discuss the past, but in order to properly state Coach Stew’s case I need to touch on the past just a bit. More specifically I need to discuss the tenure of Coach Rod at WVU and why I believe he struck lightening in a bottle and his numbers were inflated as a result. His overblown numbers created an impossible situation for Coach Stew. Despite the unrealistic expectations I believe that Stew has done a reasonable job and I plan to show that as well.
Prior to the 2005 season, Coach Rod owned a record of 28-21 at his Alma Mater. From ’05 to ’07, Rod went 31-5. What changed? Let’s take a closer look…
The first and most obvious change that helped Rod was the departure of Miami, Virginia Tech & Boston College from the Big East. 2005 was the 1st season that the Big East was played without those 3 schools. The Big East replaced those schools with South Florida, Louisville, Cincinnati & UConn. None of which were college football powerhouses and all had Conference USA level talent. Not to mention Syracuse, a once proud football program, has been down and in the midst of one of its worst stretches in program history.
The second thing that helped Coach Rod is that he hit the recruiting jackpot with a couple of fellows named Pat White & Steve Slaton. Not to mention a division III walk-on, fullback Owen Schmitt, and a proposition 48 wide receiver in Darius Reynaud. Facts are facts and this is one that is difficult to dispute: Coach Rod owns a record of 36-37 as a division I head coach without Pat White as his quarterback. Say what you want, but those are some unbelievable numbers.
The combination of having superior talent vs. teams with inferior talent led to some of the greatest seasons in West Virginia Football and Coach Rod reaped the benefits…all the way to Michigan.
Fast forward a few years to the present time. Coach Stew is coming off of back to back 9 win seasons. Pretty good numbers, but not good enough for some of our fans. Let’s take a closer look at Stew’s tenure…
While Stew did have the luxury of having Pat White as his quarterback his senior season, he didn’t have the luxury of having Slaton, Reynaud & Schmitt. 3/4 of the teams best players either graduated or went pro before Stew took over.
Stew has hauled in some excellent recruiting classes in his time as head coach, but he hasn’t had the most talent to work with. Case in point is the NFL Draft. WVU has had 4 players drafted combined the last 2 seasons. 3 of those picks went in the 7th round and 1 was a kicker! I don’t care if you are Knute Rockne, you can’t win without talent.
Another factor is that the ’05 Big East additions have had time to recruit Big East talent. Pitt has routinely ranked in the top 25 recruiting classes the past few seasons. Cincinnati, USF, UConn & Rutgers have all recruited better talent in recent years. The playing field has been leveled.
First impressions are everything to some people. Stew came out and lost to East Carolina (a game that I believe any WVU coach would have lost) and then the debacle against Colorado. At that point peoples minds were made up. Look, lets be honest: Stew had a bad day at work when we played Colorado, but everybody has a bad day at work sometimes (Rod: ’07 Pitt, ’01 Temple; Nehlen: too many to name). Should we always be judged on those performances…those bad days in the office?
We can talk all day about Stew’s mannerisms. Instead, I would rather talk about the barometer of a good coach and that is wins. Coach Stew has won here despite all that was mentioned above. I do not believe that any other coach who would have been hired after the ’07 season would have won more than the combined 18 games that Stew has won the last 2 seasons. And I think it’s time that we start giving him a little bit of credit as a good coach.
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The opening statement for the prosecution will be given in the near future.
Ern is the generalist of the group. He contributes original content, posts links to news articles, tracks all the developments in Morgantown, keeps his pulse on the Mountaineer fan nation, etc... he does it all. 
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I agree with all of the opening statement and would like to add that Coach Stewart’s character is much better than his predecessor’s was. Also, he absolutely loves the school, state, fans, etc. Rod showed that he did not. I seriously doubt any of the other candidates would have even understood how special this team is to it’s fans everywhere but especially those from WV. Those coaches would likely see this as a stepping stone to a “larger” or “more prestigious” program and Coach Stewart is only interested in our program and our players. I’m personally glad we don’t have to wonder every single time there is a coaching vacancy somewhere that our coach, or his agent, will be shopping around, threatening to leave, and holding our athletic department hostage for personal gain.
I believe with everything that the opening statement said…however, we should have 19 wins…losing to FSU was ridiculous. I was there. We had that game won…then we quit giving the ball to #7. Did FSU change things around in order to coral Devine? Yes. Could Devine have had good rushes despite FSU’s changes? We will never know…bc we quit giving him the ball.
Don’t worry Ern, I’ve stated these numbers without Pat White before. I even went as far some point last season to list the number of NFL draft picks for Michigan vs WVU (some hater made the statement that WVU had more talent than Michigan and as usual the facts showed otherwise) The haters will come back with non-factual statements as usual. These are the same kind of people we all work with that love stating all the problems and never have a solution or understand the cause of the problem to start with.
I am appointing myslef as the Circuit Judge on this case, and I am throwing the plaintiffs case out of court and dismissing all charges against Coach Stewart. for simple lack of evidence.
I like stew as the coach but there are a few things I will to it than that. One is why did it take him so long to give a proven defesive mind the helm on the Kickoff coverage. Another is if our offensive line doesnt improve I think we need a new line coach this is some of the best talent we have ever had on the line. One thing fixed another to go and then we will see the true “Stew”
I agree that so far there is very little evidence. Like it or not Bill Stewart is a very Polarizing Coach. There is clear evidence that a large contingent of Mountaineer faithful see him this way. Why? He is viewed as a lifetime assistant. A terrible communicator, and clearly challenged when addressing the National Media. When so many have worked to improve the WVU’s image and brand, Good old Bill does not do much to reinforce this movement. Fact, when Rod departed, everyone including yours truly dispised him. We publicly launched a national search for the new leader of the Mountaineers. Someone who could preserve the integrity of what was built. Like it or not, we were a top 10 team, with strong national recognition. Rod was recognized as a innovator offensively, and up for National Coach of the year. We win maybe our biggest win in History and make a emotional decision, immediately after the game. Fact, Calvin Megee had the offense rocking and Jeff was doing his normal oustanding job. Do I give Stewart some crdeit, yes. But I was not over the top like many were. I was more balanced re the results and process.. So Stewart is given the job based on Pat Whites comments. Pat White was coming back no matter what decison was made. So we give Good old Bill a new Contract, $900k and many years guaranteed. The money is one thing, but the guarantee another. We should have put him on a year year performance plan. Each year based on performance, would trigger a renewal clause. Based on his results so far he would have been just fine.
So when I say polarizing, so many are still angry with the process and lack of governance on his compensation package. That we did not look to see who was available. There were in fact very good coaches available and we did what wee did. His performance with the media has been shockingly bad. His specialty, special teams until the Coastal Game has been shockingly bad. That he hired a OC, who is a very good young guy with zero experience and “our” coveted offense has been nothing short of mediocre. That our offense line has just not gotten it done.
For me personally and I am sure for so many others, Bill is nothing short of a really good guy. But not a top flight head coach. He is still learning on the job which is not acceptable for me. Plus like it or not the Colorado game will go down in History and in my view will define Bill Stewart. Incompetent!
So I agree with much Ern shares, the results are there. I still think we should have performed so much better, but many are happy with Bill. I am not but time will tell. I still believe Bill is a Polarizing individual. Many like him amd just as many do not support him. No in between
there can be no verdict until this year is over. his first year – excuses because of the loss of talent (but the cupboard wasn’t bare – Pat White and a veteran O line plus others) second year – Brown’s concussion and a thin inexperienced O line.
this year – his team – his guys – his depth – his system.
I seek a continuance.
Let this season play out and we should know well enough whether the mountaineer program is a top program or upper middler program.
who will we beat that we shouldn’t? who will lose to that we shouldn’t? say all you want that the rest of the BE caught up. they caught up and passed us while we were retooling, but Cincy losing two BCS bowls in poor fashion doesn’t reflect well on us. time will tell. OOC wins and bowl wins will tell us if we are competing with the best.
4th and 23 down 14 -3. I take it all back. Forget the continuance. Our best coach left Morgantown and now coaches in green. They played Ohio State to get ready for us. We played Coastal Carolina.
If WVU does not win this game, the verdict is in. Still a lot left, but I expected more even from a fired-up Marshall. We can’t make a 4th and 1. They throw a bomb from their end zone.
I would argue that the so called best coach that is now in green lost the Herd their best chance ever to beat the Mountaineers. The football gods handed Doc and Marshall a victory on a silver platter and Doc gave it away along with our team taking it away.
http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/10253/1086443-144.stm?cmpid=newspanel2
Unbelievable, I would cry right now if I thought it would help us play better.
I think we need a lot more time spent on fundamentals. It is hard to blame play calling at this time I think. Noel has had a serious case of the fumbles the first two games. The receivers for the first three quarters kept taking their eyes off the ball to see where they were going to run before they caught the pass and ended up not having to run at all. I think Stew was correct in saying the only team that can stop us is us. The only coach I want to see tossed is Johnson. These has been three very bad years of line play!
Brandon,
I agree 100%. I’m actually pleased with most aspects of the offense and defense and even special teams. The problem is the Oline. They have been subpar ever since Trickett left. A couple fluke plays last night and the defense would have had another great game on the scoreboard. The offensive playcalling and overall coaching has been fine in my opinion especially considering breaking in a new QB.
The O line is sick. Our pass rush very ineffective. It’s hard to find any positives in this game other than geno the warrior – he grew up this game and that does bode well, now if only we could protect him. play calling or execution? – why was marshal’s O so much better at it than ours – really had perfect plays called most of the night. we “out athleted” and “out depthed” them, they outplayed us and outcoached us.
Curious, what did they do to outcoach us? Was it the prevent defense that lost their lead? Was it the giving the ball to a freshman QB when you can seal the deal? Was it going away from what got you the lead to play it conservative? Seriously what did Marshall do that shows outcoaching?
the prevent was standard coaching – it’s what you do when you are up 15 with eight minutes to play. You think Doc went conservative on O? He passed in the redzone on the play prior to the frosh RB’s fumble. He passed on the third down that came up a yard short then they punted it back to us when we take possession on the two. conservative? Marshall just ran out of gas. their D didn’t have the depth to sustain but for three quarters when they were fresh they totally outplayed us. And if they had a decent field goal kicker, we might not even be having this conversation.
Geno made some huge plays with his feet when all was lost. and yes Doc outcoached Stew for all but that last eight minutes. we beat the herd with much of the talent Doc recruited and we had more depth – we won at the end because the Herd was spent and Geno was a warrior despite our atrocious O line.
Fair enough. I just have no respect for Doc Holliday due to the things he has said about the state of WV and WVU trying to win recruits and better his career. He is a man of no integrity as I said on another post I put him one notch ahead of Rich Rod.
Ugly. Ugly. All except the last 5 minutes and OT. Where was our defense that was suppose to be able to carry the team? Two big plays and 14 pts. Run (and pass) blocking were horrible the first 55 minutes of the game. I know Marshall was fired up and had the crowd with them but there are games this year in a lot more hostile environments – Death Valley! Never thought I would say it but Marshall deserved to win, we played like crap. It seemed like we only run three plays over and over 1. Devine misdirection run, 2. Clark up the middle – this one is obvious when its coming, no deception whatsoever , 3. Screen or bubble passes. Finally when Marshall thought they had it in hand did we start throwing the ball downfield and blocking. That wont get it done against better teams. I can only hope Marshall knew the WVU plays better than the most of our offensive line thanks to the MU coaching staff and that is the reason we looked so bad. Do not deserve top 25 ranking after this performance
Well I guess the case for Bill Stewart continues to be substantiated. I must say if anyone likes the new look , Old Gold and Blue of Bill Stewart, you deserve what you get. Yes you got a win and yes Doc out coached Stewart. Marshall did deserve to win. Also for the idividual who stated Doc will not be able to recruit and win at Marshall, try again brain surgeon.
This is just not the same championship team of not so long ago. It is not about a new quarterback, the kid is great. the line is awful!!! This is just embarrassing.
Not a hater, just disappointed in the results to date. Stewart and Mullen inherited pat white and a darn good team and instead of playing to their strengths, changed the O to the point we slumped. That doesn’t sit well with many a fan.
As for the Marshall game, that was their biggest game of the year. Their Superbowl, so to speak. They’ll not play in a bigger game the rest of the year, at least to them, not even a bowl game. They play us tough every time, especially in Huntington. So, I’m not overly concerned with that performance. Just happy we got the “W”.
Sure, RR played against Miami and VaTech (let’s leave BC out of this conversation to save embarrassment for the defense) and his record was less than particular. Who has Stewart played in conference that matches what those teams were playing like then? Nobody in comparison
Finally, we’ve lost at least two games per year the past two years attributed to poor coaching decisions. fl state, auburn, COLORADO is three off the top of my head that we should have one, and I’m sure if I went back there’s easily one more to be found from the 08 season, I just can’t remember it off the cuff.
My verdict, I’m willing to give Stewart this year to produce with his players. Not convinced at this point that he has what it takes based on the blowing four games that should’ve been wins in a two year span. Just think, those 4 wins gives us 2 add’l 11 win seasons, and Stewart is thought of in an entirely different light and this isn’t even a discussion. A 9 win this season with the talent we have just isn’t acceptable.
Before people start comparing 9 wins to what Nehlen was able to accomplish, puhleeze. 9 wins back then, playing the likes of Penn State, Va Tech, Miami, etc. was admirable. 9 wins playing the likes of Cinci, Louis, UConn, etc. . . . definitely nothing worth bragging about. Plus, there’s a MUCH greater ability to recruit nationwide now a day through various means (i.e. technology and a much higher recruiting budgets) in comparison to yester-year.
LET’S GO MOUTAINEERS!!!! AND GO COACH STEW!!! You’re acquitted of all charges . . . at least for the time being, but sorry, there’s no double jeopardy clause allowed in this kangaroo court.