West Virginia football fans are eager to see the program return to the winning ways of the early 2000s. Rich Rodriguez, who led the Mountaineers during that successful era, has returned to Morgantown for a second stint as head coach, bringing a much-needed cultural shift aimed at reviving the program’s success.
While the change may seem subtle for now, Rodriguez’s hiring decisions signal a clear shift back to a winning mindset, moving away from the Neal Brown and Dana Holgorsen eras. The addition of familiar faces from Rodriguez’s first tenure, such as WVU legend Pat White as an assistant coach and former running back Noel Devine as an offensive analyst, underscores this transformation. Both bring extensive experience and deep ties to the program’s successful past.
Another key return is Jeff Casteel, Rodriguez’s former defensive coordinator, whose long-standing relationship with Rodriguez dates back to their coaching days in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Their shared history and familiarity provide a strong foundation for a cohesive coaching staff.
Rodriguez’s efforts to rebuild the program are evident behind the scenes at Milan Puskar Stadium, with the return of the ‘Tour of Duty’ workouts and daily contributions from former players. Excitement is building in Morgantown, and fans eagerly await the first glimpse of the revitalized team at the 2025 Gold-Blue Spring Showcase on April 5. Until then, Rodriguez remains focused on laying the groundwork for a successful new chapter in WVU football.
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