Rich Rodriguez Returns to West Virginia as Head Football Coach

Rodriguez, 61, reunites with his alma mater 17 years after a controversial departure, aiming to restore the program's former success.

West Virginia University has hired Rich Rodriguez as its new head football coach, replacing Neal Brown, who was fired after six seasons.
Rodriguez previously coached the Mountaineers from 2001 to 2007, leading the team to four Big East championships and a Sugar Bowl victory during his tenure.
Rodriguez's return comes after a successful three-year stint at Jacksonville State, where he led the team to a Conference USA championship this season and a 27-10 overall record.
The hire marks a homecoming for Rodriguez, a West Virginia native, but also revives mixed feelings among fans due to his abrupt departure for Michigan in 2007.
Rodriguez faces the challenge of revitalizing a program that has struggled for consistency in the Big 12, with no back-to-back winning seasons since 2018.