West Virginia hires Rich Rodriguez as head coach for 2nd stint
West Virginia announced Thursday that it's hiring Rich Rodriguez to replace Neal Brown as head coach.
It'll be his second stint with the Mountaineers.
"We are thrilled to welcome coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home," athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement. "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."
Rodriguez - also a former Michigan and Arizona head coach - spent the last three seasons at Jacksonville State. The 61-year-old helped the Gamecocks post three consecutive nine-win campaigns and win the C-USA in 2024 with a 52-12 blowout over Western Kentucky in the title game.
"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!"
He's posted a 190-129-2 career record, including a 60-26 mark with West Virginia from 2001-07.
The 2007 West Virginia-Rich Rod split was the ugliest I’ve seen. There was a lawsuit. The governor got involved. The cloud hung over his entire Michigan tenure.
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 11, 2024
If they can get back together, there’s hope for anyone.
West Virginia went 6-6 in 2024, including 5-4 in Big 12 play. The school moved on from Brown on Dec. 1 after six seasons. He posted a 37-35 record with the team.