These were his first public statements, to my knowledge. He was fairly gracious. Asked if he was surprised to be let go, he said, "No, not really. ... Tumblers fall into place when a new AD is hired. ... It's the same with new presidents, they want to leave their stamp."
He allowed that "we haven't been to the playoffs in a few years" but said "my tenure proved that the things you invest in reflect the success you have."
Asked to name his best memory of his years at the helm, he paused for a long time before answering, "Everything that happens off the field" -- meaning the impact he hopefully had on young men's lives.
The interviewer -- Drew Forrester, who admitted to being a friend of Rob's -- asked what happens next. "Gotta keep working. We'll see where the next job is. Everyone thinks we all make Saban money, but I've got one more [kid] to put through college."
He never named Pete Shinnick, but did say, "I couldn't root any harder for this new staff and these kids."