Rich Rodriguez returning to West Virginia as head coach

Former WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez is headed back to Morgantown to take over the Mountaineers’ for a second time. Rodriguez led the program from 2001-07, going 60-26 with six bowl appearances, before going on to coach at Michigan (2008-10), Arizona (2012-17) and most recently, Jacksonville State (2022-24).

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” said AD Wren Baker. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.”

Rodriguez is coming off a successful 27-10 tenure at Jax State, where he led the Gamecocks to three-straight 9-win seasons and just last week a dominating victory over WKU in the 2024 CUSA Championship game. The program has only been in FBS since 2023, hiring “Rich Rod” the year before in their final season of FCS competition.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said. “My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!”

While his tenures at Michigan and Arizona were ultimately unsuccessful, Rodriguez built a consistent winner at alma mater West Virginia. The Grant Town, WV native was a DB for the Mountaineers from 1981-84 and coached there early in his career before cutting his teeth at nearby NAIA program Glenville State. He went 43-28-2 in seven seasons with the Pioneers (1990-96), building up a program that won just 1 game in his first season to a four-time conference champion. After stints as OC as Tulane and Clemson, Rodriguez returned home in 2001 to succeed his former coach Don Nehlen.

The Mountaineers went 6-6 in 2024, a three-win decline from the year prior, and the school decided to part ways from former head coach Neal Brown earlier this month. The team plays Memphis in the Frisco Bowl next week, where they will be led by interim head coach Chad Scott.

credit to West Virginia Athletics for the image