MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The latest report in the search for West Virginia University’s next head football coach is that Rich Rodriguez is set to interview for the job.
WV News first reported the story late Friday morning with Sports Illustrated sharing the report shortly after.
Rodriguez, who brought WVU into the national spotlight in the early 2000s, has the support of former Mountaineers punter and media personality Pat McAfee.
On his talk show earlier this week, McAfee said that Rodriguez is “absolutely” part of the head coach conversation and that multiple former teammates have been discussing the possibility.
The possibility of Rodriguez’s return has generated mixed feelings among fans on social media with those ready to give him another chance and those who say once was enough.
As WVU’s head coach from 2001 to 2007, he achieved a 60-26 record, secured three Big East Conference championships, and led the team to a Sugar Bowl victory.
However, his controversial move to Michigan following a heartbreaking loss to Pitt in 2007 left a deep rift within the fanbase.
Currently serving as the head coach at Jacksonville State following a stint at Arizona, Rodriguez has proven his ability to succeed, leading the Gamecocks to an 8-4 record and a spot in the Conference USA title game tonight.
Multiple other candidates have been rumored to be in line to interview for the job but none have been confirmed.
