One of the most exciting college football coaching moves of the winter is the return of Rich Rodriguez to West Virginia, a program he once led to great success. Rodriguez, 61, takes over a team that has not finished in the AP top 15 since 2007, the year he left for Michigan. His departure from his alma mater was highly controversial, involving lawsuits and tension. However, after spending three years at Jacksonville State, Rodriguez returns to the Mountaineers as a familiar figure.
Rodriguez’s predecessor, Neal Brown, led West Virginia to a nine-win season two years ago but struggled last season, finishing with a 6-7 record. Brown’s six-year tenure saw four losing seasons, prompting the school to make a change. Unlike Brown, Rodriguez is deeply connected to West Virginia, having arrived in 1981 as a walk-on before becoming a three-year letterman and later returning as head coach in 2001. He turned the program into a powerhouse, winning at least 10 games in each of his final three seasons and becoming the second-winningest coach in West Virginia history.
While Rodriguez’s previous tenure ended with him leaving for Michigan, he had significant success during his time at West Virginia, including three top-10 finishes. After his time in Michigan and other coaching positions, including stints at Arizona and Jacksonville State, he now returns to his roots, citing the program as “home” and his “last stop in the coaching world.”
Rodriguez reflects on his growth as a coach, acknowledging that the game has evolved, but emphasizing the importance of staying true to his coaching style. He maintains that while players today may ask “why” more often than before, they still want to be coached hard. He stresses that maintaining a strong team culture, where accountability is paramount, is non-negotiable.
Additionally, Rodriguez has been joined by several familiar faces, including former quarterback Pat White and running back Noel Devine, who have returned to assist with coaching. His familiarity with the West Virginia community and understanding of its blue-collar mentality will be key to his success in his second stint.
Rodriguez also discussed the evolving nature of college football, with the Big 12 now being a major player after West Virginia’s move from the Big East. With the rise of media figures like Pat McAfee, who has become a vocal supporter of the program, Rodriguez believes the team is in a strong position to build on its past success. Though it’s still early to assess how quickly his return will yield results, Rodriguez is optimistic about the team’s potential.
Looking back at his career, Rodriguez admitted there were times when he questioned his decisions, especially after his stints at Michigan and Arizona. However, he now believes that everything happens for a reason and that his return to West Virginia is not based on past achievements but on his recent successes at Jacksonville State.
With Rodriguez back at the helm, West Virginia fans can expect an exciting ride ahead.
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