Rich Rodriguez Recognized as One of the Greatest Head Coaches in West Virginia Mountaineer History.

Rich Rodriguez Recognized as One of the Greatest Head Coaches in West Virginia Mountaineer History.

 

Rich Rodriguez’s legacy in Morgantown continues to spark conversation, reflection, and admiration among West Virginia University fans. Though his tenure ended controversially, there is no denying that his impact on Mountaineer football was enormous. Today, more than a decade after his departure, Rodriguez is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest head coaches ever to lead the WVU program—a status earned through his innovative offense, record-setting seasons, and the national attention he brought to the Mountaineers.

Rodriguez took over the West Virginia football program in 2001, inheriting a team in need of new energy and a new identity. Almost immediately, he began reshaping the culture, implementing his now-famous spread-option offense—a system that would later influence college football across the country. His approach emphasized speed, space, and creativity, turning WVU into one of the most dynamic offensive teams of the 2000s. His schemes helped put West Virginia on the national map, attracting players whose skill sets blossomed under his coaching.

The transformation Rodriguez engineered was nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging first season, the Mountaineers rapidly improved, finishing 9–4 in 2002, a stunning turnaround that signaled the beginning of a new era. Over the next several years, West Virginia became a Big East powerhouse, consistently ranking in the national polls and appearing in high-profile bowl games. The trio of Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Owen Schmitt—players closely associated with Rodriguez’s success—created one of the most electrifying offenses college football had seen.

Among the defining moments of Rodriguez’s tenure was the 2005 Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, a game that announced to the nation that West Virginia was a legitimate contender on the biggest stages. The Mountaineers followed that season with other strong campaigns, including finishes near the top of the national rankings and multiple conference championships. Under Rodriguez, the Mountaineers not only won games but did so with a flair and excitement that energized both long-time fans and newcomers to the program.

 

His recruitment strategies, player development, and tactical innovations positioned WVU as a regular threat to break into national championship conversations. By the time he left the program, Rodriguez had compiled one of the most impressive coaching records in school history, finishing with a 60–26 mark and four Big East titles. Many analysts consider his 2005–2007 teams to be the most explosive in Mountaineer history.

While opinions about his departure may remain mixed, history tends to emphasize achievement—and Rodriguez’s achievements speak loudly. His contributions helped elevate West Virginia from a competitive regional program to a nationally recognized force. Many of the program’s modern expectations for success are rooted in the standard he helped set.

Today, as fans and analysts look back, the conversation frequently returns to the same conclusion: Rich Rodriguez is unquestionably one of the greatest head coaches in WVU history. His legacy—defined by innovation, excitement, and winning—continues to shape Mountaineer football and remains a celebrated chapter in the program’s proud tradition.