WVU President Gordon Gee recently stirred the pot when discussing the potential return of Rich Rodriguez as the Mountaineers’ head football coach. While he didn’t promise that the entire West Virginia fanbase would welcome Rodriguez back with open arms, he did suggest that “a large set of our population” might be inclined to embrace him. But what does this really mean for the future of Mountaineer football?
Rich Rodriguez: A Complex Legacy
Rodriguez’s last game with West Virginia was a heart-wrenching 13-9 loss to Pitt in 2007, a game that dashed the Mountaineers’ national championship dreams. His departure to Michigan was like a dagger to the heart for fans who had witnessed the team rise to prominence under his leadership. It’s hard to forget the excitement he brought to Morgantown, but his exit left many feeling betrayed.
“He left in a very unruly manner. If he were to come back, it would have to be as a prodigal son,” Gee remarked. This statement encapsulates the mixed feelings surrounding Rodriguez’s potential return. Can he truly come back? It’s a question that lingers in the minds of many. After all, Gee himself has returned to West Virginia twice.
The Mixed Reactions
As expected, the reaction to the possibility of Rodriguez’s return has been split. Some fans are excited about the prospect of rekindling the magic that once defined Mountaineer football, while others remain skeptical. Is it fair to say that a “large set of the population” is on board with this idea? The answer remains unclear, but one thing is certain: emotions are running high.
Rodriguez’s time at Michigan was far from stellar. He finished with a dismal 15-22 record, a far cry from the success he enjoyed at West Virginia. His tenure at Arizona saw slight improvements, but the Wildcats only ended one season ranked during his six years in charge. The question arises: can Rodriguez still compete at a high level after such a rocky road?
A Second Chance at Jacksonville State
Interestingly, it was Jacksonville State that may have saved Rodriguez’s coaching career. The Gamecocks emerged as an ASUN powerhouse and made a successful transition to the FBS, even clinching their first Conference USA Championship in 2024. Rodriguez had been job-hopping for three years prior to landing in Jacksonville, moving from Ole Miss to Hawaii and then to Louisiana-Monroe. None of those positions seemed to offer a path back to Morgantown.
What does this mean for Rodriguez? It’s clear that his time at Jacksonville State was pivotal. He found a place where he could rebuild his reputation and demonstrate his coaching prowess. However, the question lingers: can Jacksonville State continue to thrive in a talent-rich region without him at the helm?
The Stakes of a Return
Now, as the possibility of returning to West Virginia looms, Rodriguez faces a critical juncture in his career. This opportunity might very well be his last chance to shine at the Power 4 level. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. Will he be able to show Mountaineer fans that they are better off without current coach Neal Brown? Or will he prove that he was better off being a big fish in a small pond in Calhoun County, Alabama?
Rodriguez’s legacy is complicated, filled with highs and lows. The passion of West Virginia fans is undeniable, but so is the skepticism that surrounds his return. Can he mend the broken bonds and reignite the spirit of Mountaineer football?
The Road Ahead
As discussions about Rodriguez’s potential return continue, the focus remains on what this means for the future of West Virginia football. Fans are eager for a turnaround, but they also want a coach who understands the culture and traditions of the program. Rodriguez has a history with the Mountaineers, and that connection could be a double-edged sword.
The road ahead is uncertain. Will Rodriguez be able to harness the energy of the fanbase and lead the team back to prominence? Or will the ghosts of his past continue to haunt him? The answers to these questions will shape the narrative of Mountaineer football for years to come.
In the end, the return of Rich Rodriguez is more than just a coaching decision; it’s a story of redemption, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between a coach and his fans. As we watch this saga unfold, one thing is for sure: the passion of West Virginia fans will always be at the heart of Mountaineer football. Will Rodriguez be the man to reignite that passion? Only time will tell.
