West Virginia University is finalizing an agreement to bring former head coach Rich Rodriguez back to lead its football program, according to multiple reports including ESPN.
Rodriguez, who currently serves as head coach at Jacksonville State, would replace Neal Brown, who was dismissed at the conclusion of this season. The anticipated appointment marks a significant return for Rodriguez, who previously led the Mountaineers from 2001 to 2007, compiling an impressive 60-26 record.
During his initial tenure at West Virginia, Rodriguez established himself as an innovative offensive strategist. His spread-option offense, which averaged nearly 40 points per game in 2007, became a blueprint that influenced programs nationwide. That season nearly culminated in a BCS championship game appearance, but a surprising 13-9 loss to Pittsburgh in the regular season finale derailed those aspirations.
Following his departure from West Virginia, Rodriguez accepted the head coaching position at Michigan, where he struggled to replicate his previous success. His tenure in Ann Arbor ended after three seasons with a 15-22 record, including a 2008 campaign that saw Michigan miss its first bowl game since 1974.
Rodriguez later served as head coach at Arizona from 2012 to 2017, leading the Wildcats to a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2014. His dismissal from Arizona came amid controversy, following a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former administrative assistant, though the suit was ultimately dismissed in 2019.
Most recently, Rodriguez has overseen Jacksonville State’s transition to FBS competition, guiding the Gamecocks to consecutive 9-4 seasons and securing the Conference USA championship this year with a victory over Western Kentucky.
The appointment comes as West Virginia seeks to recapture the consistent success it enjoyed in the 2000s. Under Brown’s leadership, the Mountaineers posted a 37-35 record over six seasons, falling short of the program’s historical standards that included regular 10-win seasons during the previous decade.
West Virginia officials have not yet formally announced the appointment.
