If you’re an Alabama fan, she is St. Rita. But if you are fan of literally any other college football team in the nation, you likely go to bed cursing the name of Nick Saban. However, second on your list of imprecations, condemnations, and damnations ought to be Rita Rodriguez, the wife of Rich Rod.
Older fans remember the story well. It was December 2006, Alabama had just gotten smoked in another Iron Bowl, Coach Mike Shula was out, sanctions were ending, and the Alabama job was open and becoming attractive again. There were several names on the list, and Mal Moore had several backchannel meetings or inquiries with the likes of Bobby Bowden, Frank Beamer, and other well-esteemed program-builders.