Wren Baker on Rich Rodriguez: ‘His Seat’s Warm — Eight or Nine Wins Could Secure His Job, Anything Less and He Could Be Gone’

Wren Baker on Rich Rodriguez: ‘His Seat’s Warm — Eight or Nine Wins Could Secure His Job, Anything Less and He Could Be Gone’

 

As West Virginia football enters a crucial season, Athletic Director Wren Baker is making it clear: the future of head coach Rich Rodriguez depends heavily on wins—and not just a few.

Appearing on a recent episode of the RVK Podcast, Baker offered candid remarks about Rodriguez’s current status heading into the 2025 season. While many fans speculated Rodriguez may already be on the hot seat after a roller-coaster campaign last year, Baker clarified that while the pressure is on, the coach still has a chance to secure his future in Morgantown.

“His seat’s not hot anymore—it’s warm,” Baker said. “If he wins eight or nine games, I might make a move to lock him in. But anything less, and we’re right back in limbo.”

Rodriguez, who returned to WVU in 2024 for a second stint as head coach after a long journey through the college football ranks, brought excitement and controversy with him. His first season back was met with mixed results: flashes of offensive brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and defensive lapses that led to key losses. The Mountaineers finished 6–6 in the regular season before dropping a bowl game, ending with a losing record.

Now, with a more experienced roster and a full offseason under his belt, Rodriguez has an opportunity to prove that he can restore WVU football to national relevance. But Baker made it clear that the window for success is narrowing.

“We’re not in a place where we can afford to stand still,” Baker said. “We need progress—not just on paper, but in the win column.”

According to Baker, the university isn’t eager to rush into another coaching search. Continuity matters. But he also emphasized the importance of meeting performance expectations in a results-driven business.

“This is a program with tradition, pride, and high standards,” he added. “We expect to compete, and the fanbase deserves a product they can be proud of every Saturday.”

The upcoming schedule presents both opportunity and risk for Rodriguez. Early matchups against regional rivals and Big 12 opponents will set the tone. A strong start could build momentum and goodwill, while early losses may intensify scrutiny.

Fan reactions to Baker’s comments have been mixed. Some appreciate the transparency and believe Rodriguez deserves time to build, while others feel the program has already waited long enough for results.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez has remained focused on preparation. In recent media sessions, he’s emphasized player development, depth chart competition, and the importance of staying healthy through fall camp.

“I know what’s expected,” Rodriguez told reporters earlier this week. “We’ve got a group that’s hungry to prove themselves, and I believe we’ll do just that.”

Whether belief turns into wins will ultimately decide Rodriguez’s fate. With the 2025 season just weeks away, Mountaineer Nation—and Wren Baker—will be watching closely.