McCarney's advice to Rhoads: 'Enjoy it, embrace it'

AMES, Ia. — Dan McCarney has had many memorable moments throughout his career on the football field.

But one game back in 2006, while he was still at Iowa State, still stands among his favorites.

McCarney had resigned with two weeks remaining that year, but a 21-16 win over Missouri brought plenty of emotion to Jack Trice Stadium.

Those feelings of finality will be there Saturday for current and outgoing Cyclones coach Paul Rhoads, who will lead his squad for the last time at West Virginia after he was dismissed earlier this week.

If anyone knows what Rhoads is going through, it’s McCarney.

“I just told him, ‘Enjoy it, embrace it. Those players love you,’” said McCarney, who spoke with Rhoads after the news broke. “’Those coaches do. The fans do. And just enjoy it.’”

Rhoads, who learned Sunday that he was fired, will get the opportunity to end his seventh season with a win in Morgantown.

The knowledge of the end will surely create an intense day for Rhoads, who has rarely shied away from his feelings on or off the field.

McCarney went through a similar fate when he resigned with two games remaining in the 2006 season. He faced heavy pressure as Iowa State struggled to a 4-8 record. Also a fan-favorite, McCarney finished out the year with that feel-good win over the Tigers.

“I’ve been to … bowl games and a national championship and all that stuff, but that will remain of my great memories — ever,” McCarney said. “I remember it like it was last week.”

The difference for McCarney — the season finale was at Jack Trice Stadium. The win was capped off with McCarney being carried off the field. Rhoads will have to go on the road for his final game, but it’s sure to still have some memorable moments.

Both of Rhoads’ sons, Jake and Wyatt, play for the Cyclones. Jake Rhoads has been a long snapper for the Cyclones this season. Iowa State athletics director Jamie Pollard said he told Rhoads to take Wyatt, a freshman, on the trip. Pollard also said he wanted Rhoads’ father, Cecil, in his place on the team’s charter plane.

“I’m a ball coach, so I’m going to keep coaching,” Rhoads said. “I relish the relationships I have with our players.”

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Rhoads never named his two sons specifically, but it was easy to see who he was talking about as he fought back emotions with meeting with reporters.

“I’ll probably keep an eye on a couple of players this week … see how they do,” Rhoads said. “A couple of specific ones.”

Rhoads didn’t pass up the opportunity to coach one more game.

“I’m not a quitter,” Rhoads said. “I would never have walked away. I wouldn’t have walked away from the job. I wouldn’t have walked away from the opportunity to coach these young men one more time.”

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McCarney said a coach's  final game can be a lot to take in.

“It’s so easy to say, well, keep your focus on the game and keep your focus on the players and keep your focus on trying to win the game,” McCarney said. “That’s great, but, you somehow, some way have to channel your emotions. Your love, your memories, all those things over seven years now for Paul, and channel it into one game and be at your best.”