MORGANTOWN, WV – West Virginia University Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez will appear live across the John Fredericks Media Network (JFMN) Thursday, August 14th, at 12:15 PM EST. Read More: Rich Rodriguez to Join John Fredericks this Thursday, August 14th
Homecoming After 17 Years
Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown marks a remarkable homecoming for the 61-year-old native of Grant Town, West Virginia, who was officially named the 36th head football coach in program history on December 12, 2024.
The appointment comes 17 years after his controversial departure for Michigan, with Rodriguez replacing Neal Brown following the Mountaineers’ disappointing 6-6 season that concluded with a loss at Texas Tech.
Under his five-year contract worth $3.5 million in the first season, increasing by $100,000 annually, Rodriguez becomes the lowest-paid head coach in the Big 12 Conference.
Legacy of Previous Success
During his first tenure from 2001-2007, Rodriguez compiled a 60-26 record and guided the Mountaineers to some of their greatest triumphs, including Big East Conference Championships in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2007.
His teams were particularly dominant from 2005-07, posting a 32-5 record that included a memorable 38-35 victory over Georgia in the 2006 Sugar Bowl. The success established him as the second-winningest coach in program history behind only Don Nehlen, though his departure for Michigan created a contentious relationship with the university that lasted for years.
Recent Success at Jacksonville State
Rodriguez arrives in Morgantown fresh off a successful three-year stint at Jacksonville State. He guided the Gamecocks through their transition from FCS to FBS football while achieving three consecutive nine-win seasons and a 27-10 overall record.
His final season with Jacksonville State culminated in a Conference USA Championship victory over Western Kentucky, 52-12. The success demonstrated his ability to build winning programs even amid significant transitions.
Challenges Ahead for Second Stint
As Rodriguez prepares for his second stint with the Mountaineers, he faces the challenge of rebuilding a program that has added more than 60 new players to the roster since his hiring. Athletic Director Wren Baker expressed confidence in the hire, stating that Rodriguez “understands what it takes to win at West Virginia” and would “pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program.”
With preseason expectations placing WVU in the bottom half of the Big 12, Rodriguez will need to quickly implement his signature high-tempo offensive system while navigating the complexities of modern college football’s transfer portal era.
How to Watch/Listen to Tomorrow’s Interview
The segment can be heard and viewed nationally across the extensive John Fredericks Media Network:
Radio Stations: John Fredericks Media Network – 23 Radio Signals
- WJFN-FM 100.5 FM – Charlottesville, VA
- WJFN-AM 820, 92.7 FM, 107.7 FM – Richmond, VA
- WJFV-AM 1650 – Norfolk, VA
- WBRG AM 1050, 105.1 FM – Lynchburg, VA
- WMLB-AM 1690 – Atlanta, GA
- WJFP-AM 740, 103.3 FM – Philadelphia, PA
- WJFG-AM 1480, 107.5 FM – Pittsburgh, PA
- WJFA-AM 910, 98.7 FM – Pittsburgh, PA
- WENO-AM 760 – Nashville, TN
- WZST 100.9 FM (Jack FM) – Morgantown, WV
- WGYE 102.7 FM and 103.9 FM – Morgantown, WV – Mannington, WV
- WMMN AM 920 and 95.7 FM – Fairmont, WV
- WHTI 105.7 FM – Clarksburg, WV
- WBKE AM 1490 and 98.3 FM – Fairmont-Grafton, WV
- WRLF 94.3 FM – North Central WV, Wheeling, WV
Digital Access:
- Radio Apps: WVTheTorch.com
- Listen Live: JohnFredericksRadio.com
- Live TV: Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV (Go to APPS: “John Fredericks,” save icon)
- Social Media Live: YouTube Live, Rumble Live, GETTR Live, X Live
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