West Virginia HC Rich Rodriguez doesn’t like comparisons, says Neal Brown is “good football coach”…

West Virginia HC Rich Rodriguez doesn’t like comparisons, says Neal Brown is “good football coach”… Read More ore

 

 

In the world of college football, comparisons often arise, especially when discussing head coaches with ties to successful programs. For Rich Rodriguez, who has a storied history with West Virginia, such comparisons are less than welcome. Recently, Rodriguez, who is widely recognized for his transformative role in the Mountaineer football program, was asked about the current state of the team under Head Coach Neal Brown. Rodriguez, however, was quick to sidestep the notion of comparing the two coaches, instead offering praise for Brown’s abilities and leadership.

 

Rodriguez, who was the head coach at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007, helped elevate the Mountaineers into national prominence with his innovative spread offense. His success in Morgantown set a high bar, and as such, many have drawn comparisons between his time at WVU and the current tenure of Neal Brown, who took over the program in 2019.

 

In a recent interview, Rodriguez expressed his frustration with comparisons between the two coaching eras, noting that each coach brings their own strengths and challenges to the table. “I don’t really like the comparisons,” Rodriguez stated. “Neal Brown is a good football coach. He’s got his own style and approach, and he’s doing a lot of things that are good for the program. Every coach is different, and comparing eras doesn’t help anyone. It’s all about what you’re doing right now, and Neal is doing a good job with the resources and players he has.”

 

Rodriguez emphasized that college football is an ever-evolving game, and while the success of past teams is always remembered, the focus should always be on the present and future. He acknowledged that, while his tenure at West Virginia remains an important part of the program’s legacy, it is ultimately up to the current staff, led by Brown, to continue building upon that foundation and charting their own path forward.

 

One of the reasons Rodriguez is particularly sensitive to comparisons is the high expectations that have followed him throughout his coaching career. Known for taking West Virginia to major bowl games and producing some of the most exciting offenses in the nation, Rodriguez’s departure from the program in 2007 left a lasting impact. However, after years of coaching stops at Michigan, Arizona, and a brief return to coaching at his alma mater, Rodriguez has a keen understanding of the challenges and pressures that come with leading a major football program.

 

As for Neal Brown, Rodriguez believes the Mountaineers are in good hands. “Neal has a strong foundation,” Rodriguez commented. “He understands the history of West Virginia football and respects what has come before him. But more importantly, he’s focused on making this team his own and developing players for success. It’s about the next step, and I think he’s doing a good job getting the program where it needs to be.”

 

Rodriguez’s remarks come at a time when West Virginia football has faced its share of challenges. While the program has shown flashes of brilliance under Brown’s leadership, consistency has been elusive. However, as Rodriguez pointed out, every coach needs time to build a program, and success doesn’t come overnight.

 

In closing, Rich Rodriguez made it clear that his focus is no longer on his own legacy at West Virginia, but rather on supporting the Mountaineers in their current endeavors. His words of encouragement for Neal Brown signal a desire for continued progress and success for the West Virginia football program, regardless of the past. “Let Neal do his thing, and I’ll continue to support him,” Rodriguez concluded. “He’s a good coach, and that’s what matters most.”

 

As West Virginia football looks to the future, it’s clear that the program is in a transitional phase, but with a respected coach like Neal Brown at the helm, the Mountaineers appear to be on solid ground moving forward.