Rodriguez acknowledged the current transactional nature of college football rosters, especially when joining a new program. He noted that while WVU brought in about 70 new players this year, the key focus has been maintaining the program’s culture. Drawing from his experience at Jacksonville State, where they also had significant turnover, he emphasized that success comes once the team finds its rhythm.
Being in the Same Conference as Former Pac-12 Teams:
He expressed surprise at the familiarity of the new Big 12, which now includes many teams he faced while coaching at Arizona. Though Arizona isn’t on WVU’s schedule this year, he anticipates an emotional matchup when it does happen, reflecting fondly on his time in Tucson but embracing his return to Morgantown.
Returning to WVU:
Rodriguez said his transition back to West Virginia was seamless, unlike past jobs that took months to adjust. Familiarity with the community and program helped, but he acknowledged the landscape has changed. He was impressed with the $50 million in facility upgrades since his last stint and takes pride in leading a program that holds deep significance in the state.
Revenue Sharing and Guardrails in College Football:
He supports the recent implementation of caps and revenue sharing, calling it a much-needed improvement over the past chaotic few years. Still, he believes more structure is needed, ideally through congressional action. He urged more involvement from athletic directors in shaping the sport’s future.
How His Perspective Has Evolved:
Rodriguez considers himself a smarter and more experienced coach than he was 20 years ago. He emphasized the importance of continual growth for himself and his staff, always evaluating whether decisions contribute to winning.
Big 12 Quarterbacks and WVU’s QB Room:
He acknowledged the Big 12’s deep quarterback talent and joked he’d prefer if none returned. While WVU’s QB room has some uncertainty, he’s excited about its potential, noting a healthy competition between experienced and young players.
Why He Still Coaches:
Despite the frustrations caused by the modern recruiting landscape, Rodriguez said he still loves coaching. Starting at the Division II level, he never did it for fame or money but for the passion of the game and the joy of player development. He remains hands-on with all facets of the team.
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