MORGANTOWN, W.Va.—New west virginia Head coach Rich Rodriguez admitted Friday that he made a mistake leaving West Virginia for West Virginia. michigan 17 years ago.
Judging from the reception he received from the thousands of fans who attended his introductory press conference on Friday, much seemed forgivable — except for one man yelling at Rodriguez as he started speaking . The crowd quickly overwhelmed the heckler and he was escorted out of the campus arena.
Rodriguez took it in stride, responding with a joke aimed at West Virginia’s biggest rival: “Well, anyone else Pete Fans can leave the building. “
The crowd, which included Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen and former players such as Evan Coburn and Owen Schmidt, responded enthusiastically.
Thus began Rodriguez’s second trip to his alma mater.
“It’s just surreal,” said Rodriguez, who became emotional and paused several times during his speech. “I should never have left.”
Sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Rodriguez rejoined the Mountaineers on a five-year deal with an average base salary of $3.75 million during the deal, including an average base salary of $3.5 million in 2025. The deal includes incentives that could significantly drive up the value, pending win totals and other thresholds, sources said.
Rodriguez had a 60-26 record from 2001 to 2007. Fans were shocked, first when West Virginia missed out on a chance to play for the BCS national championship with a 13-9 loss to lowly Pittsburgh in the 2007 season finale, and then again two weeks later when Rodriguez Went to Ann Arbor.
Rodriguez, 61, was named coach Thursday after three seasons jacksonville state” said he has grown both as a person and as a coach throughout his long career, “especially in the 17 years since I made the mistake of leaving.
Rodriguez comes with some baggage. He spent three years at Michigan before being fired after the 2010 season. He was fired from college football’s most successful program for exceeding NCAA practice and conditioning time limits.
He was fired after six years on the job Arizona In January 2018, his former administrative assistant filed a claim with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, accusing him of sexually harassing her and creating a hostile work environment. The university said it could not confirm the claims but was concerned about the “direction and atmosphere of the football program.” The lawsuit was later dismissed.
Athletic director Wren Baker wouldn’t reveal details but said Rodriguez “sincerely acknowledges those mistakes and the lessons he has subsequently learned from them.”
In 2000, Rodriguez started his first head coaching job after becoming a college head coach. Clemson Assistants and dozens of others attended his presentation in West Virginia in a room overlooking Mountaineers Stadium.
West Virginia went all-out on Friday. Beer was sold at stands, a marching band played, and fans packed the stands.
ESPN personality Pat McAfee, who was the kicker and punter on the 2007 team, broadcast his daily show live from the arena, including taking on Rodriguez before the main event interview.
“We’re about to get some championships, that’s what today is about,” McAfee said.
It’s not uncommon for head coaches to return to their schools to coach.
Scott Frost recently returned to University of Central Florida. Other coaches who have visited multiple times over the past decade include Mack Brown North CarolinaGreg Schiano Rutgers UniversityBrady Hoke in San Diego StateJeff Tedford in fresno stateBill Snyder in kansaswith Randy Edsall on University of Connecticut.
Bobby Petrino served as head coach twice Louisville and served as coach and later offensive coordinator. Arkansas.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
