My initial takes on Coach Rhodes are all very positive.
First he seems like the kind of coach that knows the team is what makes him successful, not the other way around, (see Chizik).
To retain as many players and recruits as he did speaks volumes about him and the coaching staff he's assembled.
I also think it's very important that we have a defensive coordinator with as much experience as ours. He's obviously seen just about everything their is to see, so adjustments to various offensive schemes with available players should be one of his strong suits. Some of Mac's best teams weren't neccesarily stellar on offense, but a solid defense kept us in a lot of games long enough to give us a chance to win. With the key personel we have on offense, if we get that this year, we could be much better than some people expect.
Sorry, my posts can be a little lenghthy, but I'm nothing if not thorough.
Finally, welcome former Cyclone Flynn, it is an honor to have you among our ranks!! Congrats on your marriage and first child, nothing completes you like the love of family!! Hope to hear from soon and often.