Rich Rodriguez Returns to WVU, Reflects on Past Mistakes and Future Goals

Rich Rodriguez Returns to WVU, Reflects on Past Mistakes and Future Goals

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s not every day that a college football coach gets a second chance to rewrite history, but Rich Rodriguez is doing just that. On Friday, the 61-year-old coach was reintroduced as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, a position he last held 17 years ago. And while the crowd of thousands welcomed him back with open arms, Rodriguez didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: his controversial departure for Michigan in 2007.

“I never should have left,” Rodriguez admitted during an emotional and reflective speech. The coach, who signed a five-year contract with an average base salary of $3.75 million, acknowledged that his decision to leave West Virginia was a mistake. “This is really surreal,” he said, pausing several times to collect himself. “I’ve grown a lot as a person and a coach in the 17 years since I made that mistake.”

A Warm Welcome with a Few Hiccups

The atmosphere at the introductory press conference was electric. Fans packed the campus arena, the marching band played, and even the concession stands were open, selling beer to the enthusiastic crowd. Among the attendees were Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen and former Mountaineer stars like Avon Cobourne and Owen Schmitt. ESPN personality and former WVU kicker/punter Pat McAfee broadcasted his daily show live from the arena floor, adding to the celebratory vibe.

But not everyone was ready to forgive and forget. Just as Rodriguez began speaking, a heckler interrupted, shouting disapproval. The crowd quickly drowned out the dissenting voice, and the individual was escorted out. Rodriguez, ever the showman, defused the tension with a quip: “OK, any other Pitt fans can leave the building.” The crowd erupted in laughter and applause, setting the tone for what Rodriguez hopes will be a triumphant second act at his alma mater.

Looking Back: The Rodriguez Legacy

Rodriguez’s first stint at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007 was nothing short of remarkable. He compiled a 60-26 record and turned the Mountaineers into a national powerhouse. However, his tenure ended on a sour note. In the 2007 season finale, West Virginia, heavily favored, lost to underdog Pittsburgh 13-9, squandering a chance to play for the BCS national championship. Just two weeks later, Rodriguez announced he was leaving for Michigan, leaving the fanbase heartbroken.

His time at Michigan, however, was far from successful. Rodriguez’s three-year tenure was marred by NCAA violations for exceeding limits on practice and training time. He was fired after the 2010 season, and his reputation took another hit during his six-year stint at Arizona, where he faced allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Although the claims were dismissed, the university expressed concerns about the “direction and climate of the football program.”

Despite these setbacks, West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker expressed confidence in Rodriguez’s ability to lead the program. “He was sincere and genuine in owning those mistakes and the subsequent lessons he learned from them,” Baker said.

The Road Ahead

Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia is part of a growing trend of coaches coming back for a second stint at programs they once led. Recent examples include Scott Frost at UCF, Mack Brown at North Carolina, and Greg Schiano at Rutgers. Other notable names include Brady Hoke at San Diego State, Jeff Tedford at Fresno State, and Bill Snyder at Kansas State.

Rodriguez is optimistic about the future, telling McAfee during an interview, “We’re about to go get some championships, and that’s what today is all about.” The coach’s confidence is palpable, and the fanbase seems ready to rally behind him once again. With a lucrative contract that includes performance-based incentives, Rodriguez has every reason to aim high.

Why This Matters

Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia is more than just a homecoming; it’s a chance for redemption. For a coach who has experienced the highs of national success and the lows of public scrutiny, this second stint represents an opportunity to rebuild his legacy. And for Mountaineer fans, it’s a chance to dream big once again.

As the crowd roared during his introduction, it was clear that the wounds of the past are beginning to heal. Now, it’s up to Rodriguez to prove that he’s not just a better coach than he was 17 years ago, but the right coach to lead West Virginia into a new era of success.