**Rodriguez Drops Timeline for New WVU RB Coach, Reveals Interim Duties**
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University (WVU) head football coach, Neal Brown, has confirmed that the program is actively working to fill the vacant running backs coach position following the recent departure of former coach Chad Scott. In a statement released earlier this week, Coach Brown expressed his intentions to make a decision soon, with a specific timeline in mind for finalizing the hiring process.
The timeline for the new hire is set to take place in the coming weeks, with Brown aiming to have a permanent replacement for Scott in place before the start of spring practice. The decision comes as the Mountaineers look to continue building on their momentum from last season, with a focus on enhancing their running game, which has been a critical component of their offensive success.
In the interim, Coach Brown has named a temporary solution to fill Scott’s position. WVU wide receivers coach, Xavier Smith, will take over as the interim running backs coach. Smith’s experience working with various positions on the field makes him a solid candidate to oversee the running back group for the time being. He will oversee the development of the backs while continuing his primary duties as the wide receivers coach.
This move comes as no surprise, as Smith has been highly involved in the development of WVU’s offense since his arrival at the school. His deep understanding of the Mountaineers’ system and his ability to work with players across multiple positions makes him an ideal candidate to step into this temporary role. His leadership will be crucial in maintaining consistency while the search for a new running backs coach progresses.
The running back position is a critical one for WVU heading into the 2025 season, as the team looks to establish a balanced offensive attack. Last season, the Mountaineers were led by standout tailback CJ Donaldson, who had a breakout year. Donaldson’s development and the success of other backs on the roster will be key factors for the team’s offensive success moving forward, and having the right coach in place will be vital.
Coach Brown emphasized that the process of selecting a new running backs coach will not be rushed. He plans to conduct a thorough search to ensure that the right candidate is selected to help elevate the program’s offensive game. Brown stated that the search would consider a combination of experience, familiarity with the team’s system, and ability to develop talent at the running back position.
WVU fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on the new hire, especially after the departure of Scott, who had been with the program for several years. Under Scott’s guidance, WVU’s running back group saw significant growth, and many fans are hopeful that the next coach will be able to continue that upward trajectory. Brown’s commitment to finding the right fit for the team has been met with anticipation and optimism.
As the Mountaineers continue their preparations for spring practices and beyond, all eyes will be on Coach Brown and his staff to ensure the running back position remains a strong and productive part of the WVU offense. With the interim duties now assigned and the search underway, the Mountaineers are positioned to make a smooth transition as they prepare for the upcoming season.