Rich Rodriguez Set to Return to West Virginia: A Nostalgic Homecoming for Mountaineer Fans
It looks like the country roads are calling Rich Rodriguez back home. According to sources who spoke with ESPN, the former West Virginia head coach is finalizing a deal to return to the program where he achieved his greatest success. This potential reunion has Mountaineer fans buzzing with excitement and nostalgia.
Rodriguez, who is currently the head coach at Jacksonville State, has emerged as the top candidate to replace Neal Brown, who was recently fired. Sources indicate that a deal is expected to come together soon, marking a significant moment for both Rodriguez and the West Virginia football program.
A Storied Past in Morgantown
For those who may not remember, Rodriguez, now 61, spent seven seasons at West Virginia from 2001 to 2007. During that time, he turned the Mountaineers into a powerhouse, leading the team to three consecutive 10-win seasons and a memorable Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia in 2006. His tenure also saw West Virginia come tantalizingly close to a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) title game appearance in his final year, only to be derailed by a shocking upset loss to Pittsburgh.
However, Rodriguez’s departure from West Virginia was anything but smooth. After that heartbreaking loss to Pitt, he left for Michigan in a move that sparked a bitter split, complete with a legal battle over his buyout. Adding to the drama was the fact that Rodriguez is a West Virginia native, which made his exit sting even more for the Mountaineer faithful. Now, nearly two decades later, the prospect of his return feels like a full-circle moment for both the coach and the program.
Success at Jacksonville State
Rodriguez’s recent success at Jacksonville State has undoubtedly played a role in his emergence as the favorite for the West Virginia job. He led the Gamecocks to back-to-back 9-4 seasons and capped off this year with a dominant 52-12 victory over Western Kentucky to claim the Conference USA title. His ability to turn Jacksonville State into a winner has reminded many of his knack for building successful programs.
A Program in Need of Revival
Rodriguez would be inheriting a West Virginia program that is in a very different place than when he left. During his tenure, the Mountaineers dominated the Big East, but since joining the Big 12 in 2012, the program has struggled to find consistent success. West Virginia has managed just one 10-win season in the Big 12 era and hasn’t been nationally ranked since 2016. Clearly, the program is in need of a spark, and Rodriguez’s return could be just what the Mountaineers need to reignite their fan base and regain national relevance.
Why This Move Matters
There are several reasons why Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown could be a game-changer:
- Fan Support: West Virginia has operated with one of the lower NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) budgets in the Big 12 during Neal Brown’s tenure. Rodriguez’s return is expected to galvanize fans and donors, potentially boosting the program’s NIL resources.
- Nostalgia Factor: Rodriguez’s homecoming is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about stories in college football for 2025. His return brings a sense of nostalgia and excitement that could energize the entire Mountaineer community.
- Marquee Matchups: One of the most anticipated games of the 2025 season will be West Virginia’s clash with Pitt on September 13 in Morgantown. The rivalry game, known as the “Backyard Brawl,” will take on added significance with Rodriguez back at the helm.
Mixed Results After West Virginia
While Rodriguez’s time at West Virginia was undoubtedly the high point of his career, his coaching journey since then has been a mixed bag. His three-year stint at Michigan ended in disappointment, with a 15-22 record. He then moved on to Arizona, where he had a more respectable run, going 43-35 over six seasons. Highlights of his time with the Wildcats include a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2014 and a Pac-12 title game berth that same year, as well as a stunning upset of No. 2 Oregon in Eugene during the regular season.
Despite these ups and downs, Rodriguez’s ability to build competitive teams and his deep ties to West Virginia make him a compelling choice to lead the Mountaineers into a new era.
The Road Ahead
As the deal comes together, one thing is clear: Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia is about more than just football. It’s a story of redemption, homecoming, and the enduring bond between a coach and his roots. For Mountaineer fans, the prospect of seeing Rodriguez back on the sidelines in Morgantown is enough to make them believe that brighter days are ahead.
With a program in need of a revival and a fan base hungry for success, Rodriguez’s second act at West Virginia has the potential to be something truly special. All eyes will be on Morgantown as this story unfolds, and college football fans everywhere will be watching to see if Rodriguez can once again lead the Mountaineers to glory.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
