Rich Rod, Wren Baker Discuss Fans Accepting His Return.

Rich Rod, Wren Baker Discuss Fans Accepting His Return.

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – August 2, 2025 — Former West Virginia University head coach Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown, and this time the conversation is less about controversy and more about reconciliation. After weeks of speculation, WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker formally announced Rodriguez’s return to the Mountaineer football program in a senior advisory role—a move that has sparked mixed reactions among fans.

Rodriguez, known for revitalizing the WVU football program in the early 2000s with a fast-paced spread offense, left the school in 2007 for the University of Michigan under a cloud of backlash. Now, nearly two decades later, he’s rejoining the Mountaineer family, and both he and Baker addressed the public in a press conference Friday about the reception surrounding the decision.

“Time has a way of offering perspective,” Rodriguez said. “I understand there were a lot of hard feelings when I left, but I’ve never stopped caring about this place. This is home.”

Rodriguez’s tenure at WVU from 2001 to 2007 saw the Mountaineers reach new heights, including three Big East titles and a 32–5 record over his final three seasons. His abrupt departure, however, particularly after WVU missed a shot at the national championship with a loss to Pitt, left a lasting sting.

Baker, who’s been active in bridging WVU’s past with its present, said Rodriguez’s return isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic.

“Rich has a wealth of knowledge and a true love for this university,” Baker said. “We believe he can help us rebuild a culture of excellence, and that includes making peace with our history.”

The announcement has drawn passionate responses from the Mountaineer fan base. Social media lit up with debates, with some fans welcoming Rodriguez back and others still holding onto the bitterness of his exit.

Rodriguez addressed the criticism directly.

“I get it,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about how people would react. But I’m not here to relive the past. I’m here to help build a future for WVU football.”

The new role will see Rodriguez working in an off-field capacity—mentoring coaches, advising on recruiting strategies, and helping the program navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics, including NIL and conference realignment issues.

“This isn’t about reliving old glories,” Baker emphasized. “It’s about leveraging every resource we have to be competitive again. Rich is one of those resources.”

While some fans may take longer to come around, others see Rodriguez’s return as a step toward healing.

“I was angry when he left,” said former WVU student Mike Trent. “But people grow, situations change. If he’s here to help, then let’s see what happens.”

As fall camp approaches, the focus will shift back to the field. But for now, Rodriguez’s return has injected new energy—and some renewed debate—into Mountaineer Nation.