West Virginia ended a 12-day coaching search when it officially announced Rich Rodriguez’s return last week. Rodriguez, who coached the Mountaineers from 2001-07, takes the job in Morgantown 17 years after he left for Michigan. The Jacksonville State coach will succeed Neal Brown, who was fired after going 37-35 in six seasons. Rodriguez spent time as the head coach at Michigan and Arizona before spending three years as an assistant at three different schools, but he received another head coaching opportunity with Jacksonville State in 2022.
He helped the Gamecocks make a smooth transition to the FBS level, leading them to 9-4 records in each of the past two seasons. The Mountaineers will now build their new coaching staff and West Virginia football roster under Rodriguez. If you want the latest West Virginia football news now that Rodriguez is calling the shots for the Mountaineers, be sure be sure to see what the proven team of insiders are saying at EerSports, the 247Sports affiliate that covers WVU.
The EerSports insiders are providing on-the-ground updates on every development surrounding Rodriguez’ return and the future of the West Virginia football program, including insights from Chris Anderson and Mike Casazza, who have deep-rooted ties inside and around the West Virginia community. Get all the inside scoop on the football program, plus VIP intel on WVU football, basketball, recruiting and more. Plus get access to the Country Roads Confidential premium message board where you can connect with other West Virginia fans and insiders.
And right now, EerSports is offering 50% off annual subscriptions*, so now is the time to sign up. The team at EerSports already has the latest on all of Rodriguez’s moves. Head to EerSports now to see them all.
West Virginia football roster news
Rodriguez is among the top offensive coaches in college football, and he was one of the first coaches to implement the read option. His schemes have been successful at multiple stops, including his time with Jacksonville State. The Gamecocks lead the country in rushing touchdowns (48) and rank 12th nationally in points per game (36.7), so finding the right pieces to fit West Virginia’s new offense will be of utmost importance.
There has not been significant offensive transfer portal movement in the first two days since Rodriguez was hired, with backup offensive linemen Bryce Biggs and backup running back Jaylen Anderson being two of the players entering the portal. Anderson had just nine carries for 34 yards this season, while Biggs appeared in 10 games and was used primarily on special teams. Rodriguez could choose to bring some players with him from Jacksonville State after another successful season with the school.
Wide receiver Cam Vaughn had 39 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns, leading the team through the air. Rising sixth-year senior Will O’Steen only has one year of eligibility remaining, and he would be a strong fit after playing 2,630 snaps for Rodriguez during his career. There are plenty of options in the portal as well, so Rodriguez will be trying to fill out his new roster in the coming weeks. Get more West Virginia football roster updates at EerSports.
How to get insider West Virginia football updates
The EerSports team is bringing up-to-the minute updates on the latest transfer portal targets, how Rodriguez’ hiring impacts recruiting and news on which coaches will join Rodriguez in Morgantown. You can only get it all at EerSports.
Who is West Virginia targeting in the transfer portal, and what will Rodriguez’s first staff at WVU look like? Go to EerSports to get all the latest West Virginia football news, all from a team of dialed-in Mountaineer insiders, and find out.
And reminder, EerSports is offering 50% off an annual VIP membership, so subscribe now before it’s too late.
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