Robert Gillespie offers proof that things are going fine at West Virginia
West Virginia running backs coach Robert Gillespie, who followed Dana Holgorsen from Oklahoma State, is describing the transition as “smooth and great.” Those words are nice, but Gillespie offered more proof by turning down an opportunity to join Will Muschamp's staff at Florida.
Maybe things are OK in Morgantown, at least for those that are comfortable with Holgorsen. After all, it’s not like Gillespie is going to say the transition has been really tough and the program is in for a long year of turmoil.
Gillespie told the West Virginia student newspaper, "It's been a smooth transition. This month has been good to meet these guys and get to know them. Everyone has a lot of good ideas. That's the reason I wanted to come here.”
"I know Coach Holgorsen understood what he was coming into, so if he was comfortable with it, I was comfortable with it. (WVU head coach Bill Stewart) has been great.I look forward to working with him and getting to know him. He's been welcoming to us, and it's been a great transition."
"The people inside of these walls, we know what's going on. So far, it's been great."
Certainly, the most convincing part is that Gillespie did indeed turn down an opportunity to return to his alma mater, Florida.
After being contacted by Will Muschamp, Gillespie released a statement last week that said, “I was flattered to have the opportunity to go to the University of Florida where I played my collegiate football. However, I am also very excited about West Virginia University and the football program. I believe the system is in place here and we are headed in the right direction. I made the decision for my coaching career, and my family, to stay at West Virginia University. I am excited about being here and being a Mountaineer. I am looking forward to my wife and family joining me here in Morgantown."
Folks, if you are turning down a chance to coach at your alma mater, you either know you will fight Charlie Weis in a matter of weeks OR your current situation is indeed pretty darn good.
