West Virginia Coach Rich Rodriguez Unifies Transformed Football Team Amid Large Roster Overhaul

Rich Rodriguez, newly returned head coach of West Virginia football, is undertaking a major roster overhaul with nearly 70 new players amid the transfer portal era, focusing heavily on establishing a strong team culture characterized by physicality and unity. He is still learning his new roster and views August camp as crucial for building cohesion. Rodriguez's coaching career includes notable tenures at Arizona, Michigan, and Jacksonville State, with significant achievements such as modernizing the spread offense and multiple conference championships. Reflecting on his return to West Virginia, Rodriguez expressed excitement about upcoming marquee games, including a 2026 matchup against Arizona, a program where he previously had success. Despite the challenges and controversies throughout his coaching journey, Rodriguez remains motivated by a genuine passion for coaching and the sport of college football. His candid remarks at Big 12 Media Days underscore his enduring commitment to the game and the hard work involved in rebuilding his team.