This was sent to us via myspace. I thought it was really cool and deserved to be read by more people. It was originally written by Jon from Scotts Depot, WV.

Dear Coach Rod,

I just wanted to take a minute, and say thanks. You have restored my faith in humanity, and kept my childlike naivety intact over the past week or so. When all was said and done, you meant what you said, even though we could see through the semantics. Don't get me wrong-I understand that you could have just as easily said "yes" to Alabama, and become the biggest traitor to West Virginia since the Aaron Burr days. What did you do, though? You listened to a plan, you digested the information, and you decided that your loyalty lies in Morgantown. Did they have to buy your loyalty? I'm sure! But to those who doubted you, I propose this: What is your reasoning for being at WVU? To build a national championship caliber team. How does this happen? By leveraging your position to get things accomplished. New practice facilities and happier staff mean more recruiting opportunities. More recruiting opportunities mean better teams…you can take it from there. It's all business, with a lot of personal mixed in. I told everyone that I was going to take the naïve approach to the 'Bama rumors, and say that you were too loyal to your home state and your alma mater to leave. I got yelled at at about one o'clock in the morning today when the ESPN ticker showed that you were the new Tide coach, because of "my naive hope" that I had given. When I checked the info for myself, though-I saw the two amazing words, "in principle" and knew it wasn't over. I watched 'net all day, just waiting till 3:00. Then the magic words appeared, "Rod Staying."

I'm with you, Coach. I've been with you since the first "Spot the Ball" signs popped up in early 2001. Since the first game, a loss to Boston College, I've been with you. I talked you up throughout that entire 3-8 season. I worked at Lowe's that year, and I always had the handy Dewalt radio there at my register or my department listening to Caridi broadcast the games. After losses to Maryland, Temple and Virginia Tech that year, I was told how you were a joke, and how you wouldn't last three years in Morgantown. I submitted to them that three years from then you'd be working on eight win seasons, and five years from now we'd be competing in the top ten nationally. I don't know much about football, but I'm glad to see I was right. I'm also glad to see the people who have stuck with you. Too many bandwagon fans out there, Coach.

I remember the struggles with Maryland, the amazing wins over Virginia Tech, the questionable call of pulling out Charles Hales when he was leading a comeback against Wisconsin; all because you knew that Rasheed was your guy, and he was ready to come back in. I remember Quincy's run against Miami that gave us the lead, but not quite the win; but ultimately led to seven game win streak and a Gator Bowl berth in 2003. The high expectations in 2004 that ultimately disappointed. The disappointing expectations in 2005 that culminated in one of the most exciting seasons of Mountaineer Football to date. The win in triple overtime against Louisville was absolutely one of the most awesome sports experiences of my life, as was the latest installment of the Rod Era, the Rutgers game last week. I won't even get started talking about the Sugar Bowl, or about how when I have a bad day I keep a digital video of the highlights of that game in my iPod so I can watch a few 52 yard runs by Steve Slaton.

Coach, I've spent so much time at Mountaineer field since you've been here that I have athletes foot and a mild case of turf toe. I used to be the ten-foot inflatable Mountaineer that WVAQ provided just so I could get into the games for free back in college when I couldn't afford it. (Not to mention I really enjoyed getting to make a fool of myself inside that big costume). I live three hours away now and only missed two games this year, and one of them was only because I have a newborn. It's good to see that we're going to get another few go-arounds of the show. From Rasheed to Bednarik to White, from Avon to Quincy to Kay Jay, even Colson and Gwaltney to Slaton, we've been there. We see amazing things on the horizon. Your decision today shows me that you're willing to drink the Kool-Aid you're selling, and that's what excites me.

That brings me to my final point, and the purpose of this open letter: Thank you. I know that I should be thanking the boosters and the donors and the administration as well, but this was ultimately a decision that you made. I don't for a minute think that you were extremely serious about going, seeing how you never even visited the campus. But, as a young guy that's in business as well, I can see you wanting to use that leverage to your advantage. I can't blame you one bit for doing what you did. I know that the bandwagon fans have come out, as they did during the South Florida game a few weeks ago, but you're our boy, coach. You made us proud today. For me, I know that if we can't keep you, then who can we keep? Thanks for showing us that it's not JUST about the money, but in the process enjoy your big raise. There ain't nothin' wrong with that…