This morning a name that intrigues and fits the Wisconsin mentality emerged as a name that could be associated with the Badgers open vacancy at head coach. His name was first mentioned by Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via twitter.
Source: #Badgers HC opening piques interest of Paul Rhoads at Iowa State.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 6, 2012
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So, in an effort to give you a look at a name that some may be familiar with, but most don't know beyond a YouTube video or upset of Oklahoma State last season we reached out to our friends at Wide Right & Natty Lite – an Iowa State blog on SB Nation.
MTB: Paul Rhoads is a name some Badger fans may know and if they do it's probably because of his YouTube fame, but can you tell us what Paul Rhoads means to the fans at Iowa State?
WRNL: Paul Rhoads embodies Iowa State football. He grew up 20 minutes away, his family is here, and he seems to be in tune with the fans, the players, and the community. He's taken teams that the media thought had barely a shot for even 4 wins to bowl games. Rhoads has figured out what he needs to do to get the most out of his limited resources, and it just seems to be getting better.
MTB: It seems like the players at Iowa State are willing to do just about anything for the guy, true or no?
WRNL: Absolutely. Rhoads' fiery demeanor inspires our players and you can tell that they believe in him. By all indications given our handicap in talent and depth Rhoads has to get a lot out of the players, and them buying in has a lot to do with it.
MTB: Do you feel that Rhoads' coaching style and demeanor fits with what you know of the Badgers?
WRNL: I think Badger fans would absolutely enjoy his no nonsense work ethic, and his press conferences are always funny. He seems very genuine, which you may have thought you had in Bielema, but as we saw in his introductory press conference, it was all just lip service. Rhoads exudes Midwest charm, and you'd love it just as much as we do
MTB: ISU is going to it's 3rd bowl game under Rhoades, but do you feel he's ready to take the leap to a program who's fans expect Rose Bowls and national contention nowadays?
WRNL: Rhoads has been a good coordinator for big programs such as Auburn as well, so I don't think the "limelight" would bother him. I think the biggest thing is the immediate fact he doesn't have to dig out of a hole like he did at ISU. He was the third coach in three years when he took over ISU. Gene Chizik had upgraded the talent after McCarney left the cupboard bare but the talent was spars… at best, half of the starters would have been legit starters on other team in the Big 12. He's done a really good job of improving depth. I think at Wisconsin he has immediate depth at most positions and a big offensive line to help him run the ball effectively. Oh, and it's the Big Ten, it can't be that hard.
MTB: As someone who's watched nearly every ISU game this move could be a coup, but what would it do to the Iowa State fan psyche?
WRNL: I think we've all come to terms with the fact that we've been blessed with a gem in PR, and we'll probably lose him eventually, but we just want more time with him to build a solid program that another coach can inherit (and wants to inherit) I think another couple of years at this pace and we'd be a lot more comfortable with the loss.
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