Former West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez is officially returning to Morgantown to lead the Mountaineers once again. The university announced Thursday that Rodriguez, 61, will take over the program, marking a homecoming for the West Virginia native who led the Mountaineers to unprecedented success from 2001 to 2007.
Rodriguez, currently the head coach at Jacksonville State, brings a storied legacy back to WVU. During his previous tenure, he guided the Mountaineers to three consecutive 10-win seasons and a memorable Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia in 2006. In 2007, Rodriguez’s squad came within a game of playing for the Bowl Championship Series title before an upset loss to Pittsburgh. Following that season, Rodriguez left for Michigan in a controversial split that included legal battles over his buyout, leaving a bitter divide among fans.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “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!”
Rodriguez’s recent success at Jacksonville State made him a compelling candidate to replace Neal Brown, who was fired after a disappointing tenure. Rodriguez led the Gamecocks to consecutive 9-4 seasons, culminating in a dominant 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky to claim the Conference USA title this season. His track record of turning programs around positions him well for the challenges West Virginia faces in the Big 12.
West Virginia has struggled to regain its footing since Rodriguez’s departure, achieving only one 10-win season since joining the Big 12 in 2012. The program has not been nationally ranked in the AP poll since 2018 and has lagged behind in NIL support during Brown’s tenure. Rodriguez’s return is expected to reinvigorate the fan base and bring renewed focus to the program’s goals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” athletic director Wren Baker said. “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.”
Rodriguez’s return promises to spark excitement and nostalgia among Mountaineer fans, setting up a buzzworthy 2025 season. His first major test will come early, with a marquee matchup against rival Pittsburgh in Morgantown on Sept. 13.
While Rodriguez’s post-West Virginia career included mixed results—an unsuccessful stint at Michigan and a moderately successful tenure at Arizona—his return to Morgantown feels like a chance to restore the Mountaineers’ former glory. With a fresh opportunity to rebuild the program, Rodriguez’s comeback could prove to be one of the most compelling stories in college football.