Rich Rodriguez, who has achieved 190 victories and won 12 outright or shared conference or division championships, has been appointed the 36th head football coach at West Virginia University, according to Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Baker said. “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. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.”
Known for creating the no-huddle, zone-read spread option offense, Rodriguez began his coaching career as the nation’s youngest head coach at 24. He brings over 30 years of experience, including 27 years as a head coach, earning him a reputation as a master tactician, innovator and program builder.
“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!”
Rodriguez has led six different schools, accumulating a 190-129-2 record with nearly 60% of games won. He has been recognized as conference or national coach of the year seven times and has guided teams to eight or more wins 15 times, including five seasons with 10 or more wins. His teams have won conference or division championships seven times.
“West Virginians always find their way home again,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “I have spoken to Coach Rodriguez and it is clear that his time away has provided reflection and renewed appreciation for West Virginia and West Virginia University. We look forward to having Rich, his family, and his winning record back in Morgantown. I extend my thanks to Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for his leadership in running an efficient and thorough search.”
Rodriguez has led his teams to 14 bowl games, including three BCS games and two NAIA Division I playoff appearances. He has coached offenses with 10 conference players of the year and has mentored 56 NFL players and over 30 All-Americans.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez has coached some of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history, including Pat White at West Virginia and Denard Robinson at Michigan.
Returning to West Virginia, Rodriguez recently guided Jacksonville State to success, transitioning them from NCAA FCS to FBS levels over three seasons. He compiled a 27-10 record, earned the 2024 C-USA regular season and conference championships, and won the 2023 New Orleans Bowl.
Before Jacksonville, Rodriguez was the associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Louisiana-Monroe. He also served as offensive coordinator at Ole Miss in 2019.
At Arizona, Rodriguez established the Wildcats as a leading offensive program in the Pac-12, breaking more than 100 school records. Arizona advanced to five bowl games under his leadership, including a 10-4 season in 2014 and a Pac-12 South Division title.
Rodriguez returned to West Virginia after stints at Michigan and Clemson. He led WVU to numerous successes, including Big East Conference championships and victories in major bowl games, earning Coach of the Year titles multiple times.
Before heading to the major colleges, he was head coach at NAIA Glenville State, winning four consecutive WVIAC titles and being named Coach of the Year.
Rich Rodriguez, hailing from Grant Town, West Virginia, is a West Virginia University graduate and former Mountaineers defensive back. He and his wife, Rita, have two children, Raquel and Rhett.
