Rich Rodriguez Says He Will Burn a Couch if West Virginia Wins Big This Season…

Rich Rodriguez Says He Will Burn a Couch if West Virginia Wins Big This Season

 

 

West Virginia’s returning head coach Rich Rodriguez has stirred up excitement—and controversy—with a daring pledge: if the Mountaineers notch a “big game” victory this season, he’ll personally burn a couch in Morgantown. He’s even offered to pay any city ordinance fines in advance .

Rodriguez made this statement during the 2025 Big 12 Media Days in Frisco, emphasizing the significance of securing a marquee win—especially at home. WVU hosts high-caliber opponents like Utah, TCU, and Texas Tech at Mountaineer Field. Away trips to BYU and Arizona State could also deliver such opportunities . It’s been a long time since WVU has triumphed over top-ranked foes—the last significant ranked home win was in 2017 against No. 15 Iowa State, with the previous headline win being over No. 4 Baylor in 2014 .

Burning couches is a long-held Morgantown tradition following major upset wins. Rodriguez acknowledges it’s not only fan culture but something he’s willing to personally embrace: “I heard there’s a city ordinance against it, but if we win a big game this year, my ass is burning a couch. I’m going to pay the fine ahead of time or something. I don’t care,” he quipped .

Barstool Sports described this move as a coach “embracing the tradition of burning couches and paying the fine,” noting that September 13 vs. Pitt is on everyone’s radar—particularly since WVU hasn’t beaten Pitt since the infamous 2007 Backyard Brawl, which ended 13–9 and derailed WVU’s national title hopes .

Fans have reacted with enthusiasm across social media. On r/CFB, one user speculated about the raging scene if WVU earns a signature win:

> “Burn the fucking couches!!!!”

Another joked during spring practices about “a burnable couch dispenser”—highlighting the growing anticipation of reliving those celebratory moments .

Rodriguez’s commitment to the tradition signals more than a spectacle—it underscores a strategic cultural shift. During spring practices, he repeatedly hammered home toughness, calling out “softness” and demanding physical and mental grit from his players . This firebrand approach reflects his goal to revive the intensity of his first WVU tenure (2001–2007), which included several Big East titles .

His return late last year was met with overwhelming fan support, belief in his ability to deliver wins, and a nostalgic nod to those golden days . At his introductory press conference in December 2024, he even told hecklers “OK, any other Pitt fans can leave the building,” reinforcing his combative mold .

The couch-burning promise thus is much more than a stunt—it’s a symbol. It shows Rodriguez’s intent to reconnect with Morgantown’s fan base, reignite campus heat, and set a tone of defiant celebration around big wins. It also demonstrates his willingness to assume responsibility: fines, ordinances—he’ll take the heat for it.

If WVU pulls off one of those anticipated upsets this season, don’t be surprised to see Rich Rodriguez, in full coaching gear, torching a couch outside Mountaineer Field—penalties willingly paid—declaring: he delivered on more than just wins; he delivered on culture.