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Rodriguez's Move To Michigan Didn't Catch Meyer By Surprise

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By ANDY STAPLES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 18, 2007

Updated: 12/17/2007 11:22 pm

GAINESVILLE - At least one person wasn't surprised when Rich Rodriguez left West Virginia to become the new coach at Michigan.

"I talked to him every night for the last five days," Florida coach Urban Meyer said after Monday's practice. "So I knew."

Rodriguez and Meyer have been friends for some time, and Rodriguez even visited Florida during spring practice this past April to trade ideas with Meyer about the spread offense. Now, Rodriguez could give the Wolverines some tips on how to stop Meyer's offense when Michigan faces Florida on Jan. 1 in the Capital One Bowl.

"Rich is a very good friend of mine," Meyer said. "So if I hear that he gave outgoing coach Lloyd Carr tips, he won't be a very good friend of mine."

Meyer was joking. But he was serious in his assessment of Rodriguez. "They got a good coach," Meyer said. "He's really good."

SIGN LANGUAGE: After each Florida practice, about five to 15 people wait outside the gates hoping to snag an autograph from Heisman Trophy-winning QB Tim Tebow. On Monday, Meyer was asked whether would have Tebow sign any items that Meyer would then give as Christmas presents.

"I will after our practice on the 21st," Meyer said. "I've got a whole bag of stuff."

Meyer said he was only kidding, but that doesn't mean some of Meyer's friends haven't asked Santa Claus for an autographed No. 15 jersey.

"I've been asked," Meyer said. "But no."

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