Rich Rodriguez Returns as WVU Football Coach

Rich Rodriguez is on the verge of returning to his alma mater, West Virginia University (WVU), as the head football coach after a 17-year hiatus. Reports indicate that the deal is close to being finalized, marking the second chapter in Rodriguez's career with the Mountaineers.

A Successful Stint at WVU

Rodriguez previously served as WVU's head coach from 2001 to 2007, where he achieved remarkable success. During his tenure, he led the Mountaineers to a 60-26 overall record, including four Big East titles. His innovative, high-scoring spread-option offense transformed the team's performance, allowing them to reach New Year's Six bowls twice and nearly compete in the BCS National Championship Game in 2005.

Transitioning Back to Morgantown

The announcement of Rodriguez's return follows the dismissal of former coach Neal Brown, who ended his tenure with a 37-35 overall record. Brown struggled to make a significant impact in the Big 12, finishing with a 25-28 record in conference play. Rodriguez's experience and past accomplishments position him as a strong candidate to revitalize the Mountaineers' program.

Past Coaching Experience

Following his original exit from WVU to coach at the University of Michigan, Rodriguez faced challenges, compiling a 15-22 record with the Wolverines. This led to his departure after three seasons. He subsequently had a six-year stint at Arizona, where he recorded a 43-35 record, highlighted by a successful 10-win season in 2014. His career has seen him coaching at various institutions, including Ole Miss and UL Monroe, before taking the helm at Jacksonville State.

At Jacksonville State, Rodriguez navigated the program's transition from FCS to FBS, culminating in a successful run that included winning the Conference USA title last season. His overall record at the school was 27-10 over three seasons.

Rodriguez’s Rocky Past with WVU

It's worth noting that Rodriguez's original departure from WVU was not without controversy, as it involved a legal battle regarding a multimillion-dollar buyout after he left for Michigan. The lawsuit concluded with Rodriguez agreeing to pay $1.5 million to WVU, while the University of Michigan paid an additional $2.5 million.

Looking Towards the Future

Rodriguez's arrival back in Morgantown comes with exciting prospects for WVU football. The Mountaineers concluded the most recent season with a 6-6 record and will be aiming for a resurgence under Rodriguez's leadership. They are set to compete against the No. 25 ranked Memphis Tigers in the upcoming Frisco Bowl on December 17, with Chad Scott currently serving as the interim head coach.

As fans and players alike gear up for this new chapter in Mountaineers football, Rodriguez's familiarity with the program and his proven track record may spark a positive turnaround for the team.

Conclusion

The return of Rich Rodriguez as WVU's football coach marks a significant moment for both the coach and the university. His understanding of WVU football, coupled with his coaching experience, offers hope for a bright future as the program looks to regain its competitive edge in college football.

Let's see how this next phase unfolds for Rodriguez and the Mountaineers, and whether he can replicate the successes of his earlier tenure at West Virginia.