In the Gun Podcast Exclusive: WVU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez Returns — Unfiltered, Passionate, and Focused on Mountaineer Glory
MORGANTOWN, WV – June 19, 2025
In a stunning and much-anticipated appearance, West Virginia University’s newly re-appointed head football coach, Rich Rodriguez, joined the latest episode of the wildly popular “In the Gun” podcast — a show beloved by Mountaineer Nation for its raw analysis, fiery commentary, and insider access to WVU sports. The episode, which dropped early Wednesday morning, immediately rocketed to the top of Spotify and Apple Podcasts sports rankings.
This marks Rodriguez’s first long-form public interview since his shock return to Morgantown in January, a homecoming that has ignited a renaissance around Mountaineer football and rekindled memories of the program’s electric mid-2000s run under his leadership.
A Conversation Years in the Making
Podcast hosts Jed Drenning, former WVU QB and current football analyst, along with Brandon Phoenix and Jeremy Phoenix of “Raspy Voice Kids” fame, wasted no time diving deep into the heart of Mountaineer lore, present-day ambitions, and Rodriguez’s redemption arc.
“This isn’t just about football,” Rodriguez said early in the podcast. “It’s about unfinished business. About bringing pride, grit, and championships back to a place that never left my heart.”
The hour-long episode was a rollercoaster — part therapy session, part motivational masterclass, and part strategic blueprint for what’s coming next.
️ The Past, the Pain, and the Passion
Rodriguez candidly addressed his abrupt 2007 departure to Michigan — a wound that has long lingered in the WVU fanbase.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — I made mistakes,” Rodriguez admitted. “But my love for West Virginia has never changed. The people here, the culture, the players — it’s like family. I was gone, but not disconnected. I followed every game.”
He even revealed that he still has a game-worn Pat White jersey hanging in his home office and keeps in touch with several players from the 2005–2007 squads.
Rebuilding the Culture
Rodriguez spoke extensively about rebuilding the Mountaineer culture, citing a return to the fast-tempo spread offense he once revolutionized. But this time, he said, he’s fusing it with “2025 speed, hybrid schemes, and hunger.”
“We’re not just aiming to compete in the Big 12 — we’re coming for trophies,” Rodriguez declared. “The days of being a ‘nice little program’ are over.”
He hinted at bold schematic changes and revealed that strength coach Mike Barwis is back as well, forming a reunion that fans are calling the “Coal Camp Dream Team.”
Recruiting and the Backyard Brawl
When asked about recruiting, Rodriguez dropped jaws: “We just flipped a 5-star from Florida. Didn’t even announce it yet. These kids want to be part of something real.”
He also previewed the upcoming Backyard Brawl against Pitt, calling it “the most important Week 1 game in America.”
“Pitt has been chirping,” he said with a grin. “But this time, we’re the hunters.”
Fan Reactions and What’s Next
The episode has sent Mountaineer Twitter into overdrive, with hashtags like #RodReborn, #WVURevengeTour, and #InTheGun trending nationally.
Former WVU greats — from Steve Slaton to Noel Devine — posted clips and praise. Even Pat McAfee tweeted: “Rich Rod sounds like he’s ready to go 12-0 and punch someone in the mouth doing it. LET’S RIDE!”
The In the Gun hosts confirmed that this won’t be Rodriguez’s only appearance. “He’ll be back during the season,” said Drenning. “This is just the beginning.”
Final Take
This wasn’t just a podcast — it was a mission statement.
Rodriguez, once a hero, then a villain, and now a resurrected figure in West Virginia lore, is all-in. His voice carried the gravel of Appalachian fields and the fire of an underdog who still believes he’s got more to give.
And judging by the energy surging through Morgantown, so does Mountaineer Nation.
️ Stream “In the Gun” Episode #112 – Rich Rodriguez Unleashed
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
#WVUFootball | #RodReborn | #InTheGun | #MountaineerPride | #BackyardBrawl2025
