Rich Rodriguez back as WVU football coach

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Rich Rodriguez has been gone from Morgantown for 17 years, and his departure wasn’t especially amicable, but West Virginia University announced Thursday morning, he is returning to the Mountaineers.

He coached at West Virginia from 2001-2007 and went 60-26 in his time there, which included three consecutive 10-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!”

Rodriguez, now 61, was most recently at Jacksonville State where he was named the Conference USA Coach of the Year in 2024 after the Gamecocks won the C-USA Championship game. He went 27-10 during his time there.

After leaving West Virginia, Rodriguez led programs at Michigan and Arizona.

“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.”

Rodriguez replaces Neal Brown, who was let go from his duties after WVU’s last regular season game, a loss at Texas Tech.

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