By Alabama Public Radio
Tuscaloosa AL – The search for Alabama's 27th head football coach continues. University of West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez told his players today that he would not accept an offer from Alabama. This after representatives for UA and Rodriguez reached an agreement in principle Thursday night on a 6-year, $12 million contract. UA Athletics Director Mal Moore released a statement saying "I received word this afternoon that Coach Rodriguez has chosen to remain the head football coach at West Virginia. I fully respect his decision and wish him the best. I want to remind everyone of what I said at the outset of this process: My only objective is to get the best person available to lead the Alabama football program. I remain determined to bring to our program a proven head coach with impressive credentials. While I am hoping to conclude the search soon, following a timeline is not my main priority. Hiring an outstanding head coach to lead our players is the most important thing, and that will continue to be my only objective."