Eddy P is going to hit the road and retire in 2010 and then serve 2 years in a transitional role.

More details here.

Some people are going stand up and cheer with this news. Some will think there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Some will say too late, the damage is done. On the other hand, Some people will be sad to see him go. Personally, I’m stuck in the middle.

I haven’t always agreed with some of the tactics and decisions Mr. Pastilong and the Athletic Department have made. Especially in the handling of the Rich Rodriguez and Beilein coaching controversies.

As we’ve learned over the past 2 months, it’s a tough job to have, but doesn’t the timing of this seem peculiar….?

“I just felt it was time to turn the keys over, and by giving President Garrison a notice that would allow he and his staff to plan. And I think that’s important and I want to do it in a proper manner,” Pastilong said. “I’ve enjoyed my 33 years of working at WVU and my five years of being a student athlete.”

One of my sources told me this was coming about a month ago. He told me that Pastilong would probably be retiring in the next year or two and to watch the timing around the same time that the governor starts to campaign. I wonder if Manchin is going to try to take over Byrd’s spot in the Senate? (good luck, those are some mighty big shoes to fill Joe!)

I found this over at WSAZ.com

Pastilong will get a raise in this restructuring of his contract, from $196,000 to $225,000. He will also get a bonus of $100,000 if he stays on the job until the end of June 2010.

Why doesn’t this surprise me? Boy there friggin Bonuses galore at WVU, wonder if he has a buy-out clause?

I think we all can agree that the time has come for a new Athletic Director. But WHO? I’ve been hearing the cry for Jerry West to take the reigns but I don’t know if WVU needs another old name in that job. I think we need to see young aggressive blood in the AD and someone who will get out there and find the best coaches, help fund-raise for new facilities, find new donors, and take WVU Athletics to the next level. We are so close we just need that little extra push and a new AD could do that.

I hope the WVU Prez truly does a search for his replacement and we don’t get yet another member of “the good ‘ol boys” club. Only time will tell and we’ll be on top of it here at WVMS.com.