When Rich Rodriguez came back to Morgantown after 17 years, it wasn’t just a return, it was a full-circle moment defined by emotion, reflection, and a sense of unfinished business.
The former West Virginia head coach, once criticized for leaving in 2007, is now back where his coaching legacy began, intent on bringing closure to the story he left behind.
Rodriguez, now 61, brings years of experience and still has a strong passion for coaching.
“It was a mistake leaving,” he said in a recent interview. “Very rarely do you get a chance to come back and make it right.”
That’s exactly what he plans to do.
Rich Rodriguez Hopes To Finish What He Started at WVU With His Return
Rodriguez’s decision to come back wasn’t long and drawn out. It moved quickly, from Zoom interviews during Jackson State’s title run to in-person meetings at his Alabama home.
“People think it takes months,” he said. “It happened in days.”
Returning to a transformed facility was a shock. His old office now overlooks Milan Puskar Stadium, and the $50 million renovations include player development areas, academic support, and a revamped locker room.
“Some of the stuff I wanted 17 years ago, they finally got done,” Rodriguez noted.
His immediate challenge? Roster turnover. Only two starters remained when he arrived, and he expects to bring in 70 to 75 new players. It’s a new era of college football, driven by the transfer portal.
“That number used to take two or three years. Now it’s done in months,” he said.
Despite the chaos, Rodriguez insists on keeping his cultural values, discipline, development, and accountability firm.
“You can’t sacrifice your culture just to keep a player from transferring,” he explained. “That’s the hardest part today.”
Rodriguez may be older now, but his goals haven’t changed; he still wants to bring a national championship to West Virginia. What has changed, though, is his approach.
After coaching at Michigan, Arizona, and Jacksonville State, Rodriguez says he’s more patient, better at handling tough moments, and more focused on building strong relationships with players and staff.
“I still have the same drive,” Rodriguez explained. “But I’ve learned how to manage things better, how to build a team that lasts, not just wins.”
During his career, he’s been praised for creating fast-paced, high-scoring offenses. Now, he’s blending that style with more balance and flexibility. At Jacksonville State, his team won 9 games and made the FBS transition look easy, showing his system still works.
He’s bringing that same energy and mindset back to Morgantown, but with more wisdom and less urgency to prove himself.
KEEP READING: ‘Tried To Make the Most’ – WVU Coach Rich Rodriguez Reflects on Going From Coal Country to College Football Riches
Rodriguez knows this second chance isn’t just about football. It’s about reconnecting with a place that shaped him, and giving Mountaineer fans a team they can believe in again.
Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia also carries deep personal meaning. Reflecting on his previous tenure, he recognizes fans’ strong emotional connection with the program. Beyond wins, he aims to restore pride and leave a lasting legacy, reconnecting with the community that has always supported the team.
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