Rich Rodriguez Returns to West Virginia: A Throwback to Hard-Edged Football
Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown, and it’s like he never left. For those familiar with his first stint at West Virginia, from 2001 to 2007, this isn’t just a coaching hire; it’s a restoration. A return to a brand of football built on toughness, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, a stark contrast to the perceived entitlement creeping into the modern game. He’s not interested in TikTok dances; he’s interested in winning.
The prevailing sentiment around Rodriguez’s return is palpable. After years of struggling to recapture the magic of his initial run, marked by three consecutive seasons with double-digit wins (2005-2007) and a near-miss at a national championship appearance in 2007, West Virginia craved a return to those glory days. Bill Stewart, Dana Holgorsen, and Neal Brown each tried, but none could quite resurrect the program to its previous heights.
Rodriguez’s philosophy, succinctly captured in his "Hard Edge" coaching motto, prioritizes team above individual. In this era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and player empowerment, he’s standing firm, refusing to let distractions derail the core principles of football. He emphasizes that while NIL has its place, it doesn’t dictate the game. He yearns for the days when a coach’s instruction was met with unquestioning dedication, not a fact-check via Google.
"You used to be able to tell a player to run through a wall, and he’ll run through it no questions," Rodriguez lamented. "Now they want to know why, and when you give him the answer, he’ll say, That’s not what it says on Google.’"
He maintains a strong conviction that good players still desire rigorous coaching and demands. For Rodriguez, the coach’s role is to push players beyond their perceived limits, fostering growth and development that transcends what they thought possible. He’s not backing down from those who prioritize individual recognition over team success.
His return signifies a shift in priorities, a reclaiming of the core values that once defined West Virginia football.
The story of Chris Borland, the undersized linebacker who became an All-American at Wisconsin, serves as a poignant reminder of what Rodriguez values. During his ill-fated tenure at Michigan, Rodriguez passed on Borland, favoring players who fit the perceived mold of what a Michigan linebacker should be: taller, heavier, more highly rated. At West Virginia, Rodriguez would have snapped up Borland, recognizing his inherent talent and unwavering determination, developing him into a star.
That experience taught him a valuable lesson. He’s not making that mistake again. He’s focusing on identifying and developing players with the right mindset, the kind who prioritize hard work and dedication over accolades and social media fame.
The task ahead is formidable. West Virginia’s program has suffered setbacks in recent years, struggling to maintain its competitive edge in the Big 12 and failing to consistently defeat rivals like Pitt and Penn State. The roster requires a significant overhaul, and the quarterback position remains a question mark.
However, even amid these challenges, Rodriguez sees glimmers of hope. Freshman quarterback Scott Fox Jr., a three-star recruit overlooked by many of the powerhouse programs, has impressed in spring practice. Fox embodies the kind of player Rodriguez seeks: someone who wants it, someone for whom the game truly matters.
Rodriguez understands that football isn’t the only thing in life. Family and faith hold paramount importance. But when players step onto the field, their sole focus should be on the present moment, on the next play.
He believes that fostering this mindset requires unwavering commitment and a willingness to demand excellence. He embraces the philosophy of his late friend and coaching colleague, Mike Leach, who always emphasized that "if you’re not coaching it, you’re allowing it."
As the program prepares for its annual spring game at Milan Puskar Stadium, a palpable sense of optimism permeates the atmosphere. The fans, eager to embrace the new era, will gather in the stands, united in their passion for West Virginia football.
In a symbolic gesture of fan engagement, Rodriguez plans to invite fans to call plays during the spring game, injecting an element of fun and interactivity into the event. He even joked about booing fans when the plays don’t work, bringing his humor to the process.
Rodriguez is well aware that he has been given a coaching capital. He’s back where he is wanted, by a University who were desperate to recapture the magic.
He recognizes the need to compete at a high level from the outset, setting the bar high and refusing to settle for mediocrity. He emphasizes the importance of toughness, intensity, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work.
These fundamental principles, often overshadowed in the age of social media and instant gratification, form the bedrock of Rodriguez’s coaching philosophy. He firmly believes that refocusing players on these essential values is the key to unlocking their full potential.
"They’re not on that team to be the best dancer on TikTok," he declared. The message is clear: individual distractions should not eclipse the collective goal.
The return of Rich Rodriguez represents more than just a coaching change; it signifies a commitment to a time-honored approach to football, one that prioritizes hard work, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the team. It’s a return to the world of "I Don’t Care," where distractions are minimized, and the focus remains squarely on achieving excellence on the field.
