RichRod is back in the game

So much for the rumored Mike Bellotti-to-Arizona deal:

Arizona is close to announcing it has hired former West Virginia and Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, a source told ESPN's Joe Schad.

Bruce Feldman confirms:

Rich Rodriguez will be the next head football coach at Arizona, according to several sources. He's expected to bring several of his assistants from Michigan and West Virginia with him to Tucson.

Wow. To say I have some thoughts on this would be an understatement, especially now that I'm just about finished with "Three and Out." There's a lot to the Rodriguez-at-Michigan story. But I'm awaiting official word before launching a 5,000-word essay with way more than you ever wanted to know. Probably won't be long if he's already working out deals with prospective assistants.

UPDATE: It's official. Epic breakdown coming tomorrow.