IT’S OFFICIAL: WVU hires Rich Rodriguez as 36th head football coach

MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) - UPDATE (12/12 at 10:30 a.m.): West Virginia University confirmed Rich Rodriguez as the 36th football coach Thursday morning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren 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.”

Rodriguez said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at WVU again.

“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,” Rodriguez said. “Take Me Home!”

Rodriguez has guided six different schools during his head coaching tenure, producing a 190-129-2 overall record and winning nearly 60% of his games, officials said.

“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 was 60-26 in seven seasons at West Virginia during his first tenure, where he won the Big East Conference championship four times (2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007) and was named the Big East’s Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2005. The Mountaineers won the 2006 Sugar Bowl and the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.

ORIGINAL: Rich Rodriguez is officially returning to West Virginia University to become the 36th head coach of the football program.

Rodriguez, a West Virginia native and alum, served as the football program’s head coach from 2001 to 2007 before taking a job at Michigan.

In 2007, the Mountaineers entered their final game of the season ranked No. 2 in the nation and suffered a heartbreaking loss to their biggest rival — the Pittsburgh Panthers. After that loss, Rodriguez left for Michigan before the bowl game, leaving many fans feeling bitter.

However, many fans are reporting that they’re over the heartbreak and excited to have him back.

During his previous tenure at WVU, Rodriguez finished 60-26 with five bowl appearances, including two wins — the Sugar Bowl in 2005 and the Gator Bowl in 2006. He is currently the head coach at Jacksonville State University, where he just led the team to their first-ever Conference USA championship.