By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Rich Rodriguez is going home. And for the second time as head coach.
Rodriguez also attended West Virginia University and graduated in 1984. He has been named the West Virginia University head football coach.
He is now the 36th head coach in school history.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Vice President and Director of Athletics 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. 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.”
He takes over the program from Neal Brown, who was fired at the end of the season. The Mountaineers went 6-6 this season.
With the Mountaineers, Brown was 37-35 in six seasons. He had two winning records at the school.
Brown was first 6-4 during the 2020 season. Then, the team went 9-4 during the 2023 season.
Rodriguez was previously the Mountaineers head coach from 2001 through 2007. With the Mountaineers, he was 60-26.
After a losing record in his first season in 2001, he had six straight winning seasons.
“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!”
As a head coach, he was 190-129-2. He spent the last three seasons as the Jacksonville State Gamecocks head coach.
With the Gamecocks, he had a 9-2 record in his first season then back-to-back 9-4 seasons. Rodriguez was 27-10 at the Alabama school.
He guided the team to a win in the New Orleans Bowl. The Gamecocks will now have an interim head coach in the Cure Bowl with Rodriguez departing.
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“West Virginians always find their way home again,” WVU President Gordon Gee said. “I have spoken to Coach Rodriguez, and it is clear that his time away has provided reflection and renewed appreciation for West Virginia and West Virginia University. We look forward to having Rich, his family, and his winning record back in Morgantown.
“I extend my thanks to Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for his leadership in running an efficient and thorough search.”
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