Rich Rodriguez, newly appointed head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, is already making moves to build his coaching staff. According to reports, Rodriguez has brought over Jacksonville State receivers coach Ryan Garrett and tight ends/inside receivers coach Michael Nysewander to Morgantown.
Additionally, Rodriguez is reportedly adding William Green, Jacksonville State’s defensive line coach, to his staff in the same role at WVU. Green brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Gamecocks’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator, where he helped the team to an 18-6 record in Ohio Valley Conference games and back-to-back league titles in 2017-18.
Green’s coaching journey includes stints at his alma mater, Florida, as a graduate assistant and a brief playing career with the Cleveland Browns and in the Arena Football League. His proven track record of success at Jacksonville State makes him a valuable addition to the Mountaineers’ defensive efforts.
Rodriguez expressed his intent to finalize most of his staff by January 1, but some anticipated additions from Jacksonville State have opted for other opportunities. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith and running backs coach Rod McDowell are reportedly heading to Marshall, while longtime assistant Rick Trickett will remain at Jacksonville State as the offensive line coach.
Despite these departures, Rodriguez remains focused on assembling a strong team of coaches. His decision to bring key members of his Jacksonville State staff, including Green, signals a commitment to continuity and leveraging established relationships to achieve success at WVU.
As the Mountaineers prepare for the upcoming season, the new coaching staff will play a critical role in shaping the team’s direction. Fans and players alike are eager to see how Rodriguez’s leadership and the additions to his staff will impact the program.
Stay tuned for official announcements from West Virginia University regarding these reported hires and further updates on the coaching staff. Rodriguez’s tenure at WVU is off to a decisive and promising start.