ARIZONA FOOTBALL

Rich Rodriguez: ‘Life is good at the U of A’

Dec 17, 2012, 10:20 PM | Updated: 10:35 pm

Rich Rodriguez just finished his first football season as the head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats.

His team surpassed all expectations by winning eight games, and following a Gildan New Mexico Bowl victory, the coach was, not surprisingly, pleased with the decision he made last November to take the Arizona job.

“This is a great place, I’m extremely happy, the family’s happy,” Rodriguez told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Monday.

Rodriguez said his children are doing well in school and said “life is good at the U of A” for the Rodriguez clan.

Nevada tight end Zach Sudfeld catches a pass for his second touchdown of the gam as Arizona's Shaquille Robinson, left, and Jared Tevis defend during the first half of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona quarterback Matt Scott runs for a first down as Nevada's Albert Rosette purses during the second half of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper
Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo lays face down after getting hit by Arizona's defense in the second against of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Fajardo left the game after the play but returned later. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona's Marquis Flowers (2) recovers a kickoff fumble during final minutes against Nevada during the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey runs through the Nevada defense during the second half of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Nevada running back Stefphon Jefferson struggles for yardage against Arizona's C.J. Dozier (9) during the first half of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona's Matt Scott holds the game trophy while celebrating with teammate Marquis Flowers (2) and head coach Rich Rodriguez after beating Nevada 49-48 in the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona's John Bonano kicks the game-winning extra point as Kyle Dugandzic holds against Nevada during the final seconds of the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game against Nevada in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Arizona won 49-48. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)
Arizona quarterback Matt Scott celebrates with his offensive lineman Addison Bachman (54) after defeating Nevada 49-48 in the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Draper) Arizona head football coach Rich Rodriguez is doused by his players after their 49-48 win over New Mexico in the New Mexico Bowl NCAA college football game in Albuquerque, N.M., Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Draper)

Arizona Football

Deion and Shadeur Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes...

Associated Press

Deion Sanders wins Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year after Colorado loses 8 of 9

Deion Sanders reinvigorated a fanbase and put a downtrodden football program back on the map in his first season at Colorado.

13 hours ago

Arizona v Arizona State...

Arizona Sports

Arizona football stays at No. 15 in CFP rankings, Washington and Oregon in top 5

The penultimate CFP rankings were released Tuesday, and Georgia remained No. 1 while Michigan moved up a spot to second.

2 days ago

Oregon State v Arizona...

Associated Press

State Supreme Court puts on hold ruling that gave Oregon State, Washington State control of Pac-12

The Washington state Supreme Court granted a request to hold a ruling that gave Oregon State and Washington State control of the conference.

2 days ago

Head coach Jedd Fisch of the Arizona Wildcats is dunked with powerade from Jacob Manu #5 during the...

David Veenstra

Arizona Wildcats preparing for first bowl game under Jedd Fisch

 After ending the season on a six-game winning streak, the Arizona Wildcats are heading to a bowl game for the first time under Jedd Fisch.

3 days ago

Jedd Fisch...

Arizona Sports

Arizona’s Jedd Fisch vouches for coaching staff before contract extension

Arizona head football coach Jedd Fisch wants to see his coaching staff compensated "accordingly" before signing an extension.

3 days ago

Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan...

Arizona Sports

No. 14 Arizona football’s McMillan, Fifita win Pac-12 weekly awards

Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan earned Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week while quarterback Noah Fifita won Freshman of the Week.

3 days ago

Rich Rodriguez: ‘Life is good at the U of A’