West Virginia Mountaineers Set for New Era Under Returning Head Coach Rich rodriguez

Following a six-season tenure that concluded with a 37-35 record, West Virginia has welcomed back a familiar face to lead its football programme: Rich Rodriguez. Rodriguez, who previously coached the Mountaineers from 2001 to 2007, expressed his enthusiasm for the return, stating, “This is really surreal. I never should have left.”

rodriguez’s new five-year contract reportedly carries an average base salary of $3.75 million annually, with additional incentives tied to his previous success at West Virginia, where he achieved a 60-26 record. As his appointment last December, Rodriguez has been actively rebuilding the team, bringing in a notable number of transfers. He noted that his prior familiarity with the university, town, and community has allowed for a rapid transition, contrasting it with the typical six-to-nine-month adjustment period for new coaches. “Coming back home, I know where all the bodies are buried and the traps are laid and kind of understand, you know, the environment,” Rodriguez commented.

The Mountaineers will feature key offensive players like running back Jamiem White and quarterback Nicco Marchiol. Additionally, Rodriguez has bolstered the receiving corps with SMU transfer Jaylan Knighton and Cam Vaughn, who followed him from J-State. Though, the offensive line is undergoing a complete overhaul, a stark contrast to the unit that dominated BYU in 2023. The team also faces the departure of running back CJ Donaldson, who transferred to ohio State.

Rodriguez’s offensive system is known for its fast pace, a trademark he intends to implement. “Our pace is non-negotiable,” he affirmed after the Spring Showcase, praising the team’s dedication.

Defensively, the Mountaineers are looking to improve after finishing last in the Big 12 in total defense in 2024, allowing an average of 415 yards and over 31 points per game. Key defensive departures include linebackers Josiah Trotter and Trey Lathan, who transferred to Missouri and Kansas, respectively. On the positive side, West Virginia has acquired Jimmori Robinson, a highly regarded edge rusher from UTSA and the reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the year.

The 2025 schedule presents challenging matchups, including a home game against Utah on September 27 and an inaugural visit to BYU on October 3, a Friday game that will require swift adaptation to playing at elevation.

West Virginia Mountaineers 2025 Preview

2024 record: 6-7 (5-4 Big 12)

Aug. 30 – Robert Morris
Sept. 6 – at Ohio
Sept. 13 – Pittsburgh
Sept. 20 – at Kansas
Sept. 27 – utah
Oct. 3 – at BYU
Oct. 11 – Open
Oct.18 – at UCF
Oct. 25 – TCU
Nov. 1 – at Houston
Nov. 8 – Colorado
Nov. 15 – at Arizona State
nov. 22 – Open
* Nov. 29 – Texas Tech