RICH RODRIGUEZ SHOCKS COLLEGE FOOTBALL! Turns Down $15 MILLION Offers from Arizona State & Mississippi State to Return to WVU — “This Is Where I Belong.”
In a bombshell development that has rocked the college football world, former West Virginia University head coach Rich Rodriguez has officially declined lucrative $15 million coaching offers from both Arizona State and Mississippi State — instead opting for an emotional and highly anticipated return to Morgantown to once again lead the Mountaineers.
Rodriguez, who famously coached WVU from 2001 to 2007 and compiled a 60–26 record, including three Big East championships, made the stunning announcement at a packed press conference on Monday afternoon. Flanked by WVU athletic director Wren Baker and former Mountaineer greats, Rich Rod stepped up to the podium with tears in his eyes and declared, “This is where I belong. This is home. I’ve had offers — big ones — but my heart has always been here in the mountains.”
Sources close to Rodriguez confirm that both Arizona State and Mississippi State had pitched aggressive, multi-year contracts worth $15 million apiece, hoping to lure the seasoned tactician with high-powered NIL budgets and promises of program control. But in the end, none of it could compete with what Rodriguez called “unfinished business” at WVU.
Rodriguez returns at a pivotal time for the Mountaineers, who are looking to reclaim national prominence. While current head coach Neal Brown’s future remains uncertain, WVU fans have erupted with excitement on social media, many celebrating the return of the mastermind behind the legendary Pat White–Steve Slaton era.
Former WVU quarterback Pat White reacted on X, posting, “Coach Rod is BACK. Let’s ride. #MountaineerMagic.”
Rodriguez, now 61, has spent the last two seasons revitalizing Jacksonville State’s program, leading them to consecutive winning records and laying a strong foundation. But now, he says, the next chapter begins in West Virginia.
“We built something special once. And now, we’re going to finish the job,” Rodriguez said, as a roaring crowd erupted inside the WVU Coliseum.
This isn’t just a return — it’s a resurrection. College football just got a whole lot more interesting.
