BREAKING NEWS: WVU Football Head Coach Rich Rodriguez Announces Retirement Amid Health Concerns and Family Priorities
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves across the college football world, West Virginia University head coach Rich Rodriguez revealed today that he is officially retiring from coaching, citing a combination of personal health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family.
Rodriguez, 61, returned to Morgantown just last season in a storybook homecoming that brought energy and nostalgia back to Mountaineer Nation. In one season, he led WVU to a 10–3 record, a Big 12 Championship Game appearance, and a revitalized program that seemed poised for a national championship run in the near future. His sudden decision has left fans stunned and emotional.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Rodriguez said during a press conference at Milan Puskar Stadium. “West Virginia is in my blood, and this university gave me so much. But at this point in my life, I have to listen to my body and my heart. I’ve been dealing with some private health challenges, and I want to be present for my wife, my children, and now, my grandchildren.”
Sources close to the program say Rodriguez was recently diagnosed with a minor heart condition that, while manageable, requires significant lifestyle changes and reduced stress. After consulting with medical professionals and his family, he ultimately decided stepping away from the sidelines was in everyone’s best interest.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Rodriguez’s contributions, stating: “Rich Rodriguez came back and reenergized this program in ways that few could. His impact on Mountaineer football—both past and present—is legendary.”
As speculation begins about who will replace the iconic coach, early names being floated include current offensive coordinator J.R. House, Alabama assistant Holmon Wiggins, and even former NFL standout and WVU legend Pat White.
Though Rich Rodriguez may be stepping away from coaching, his legacy in Morgantown is cemented. The man who once brought the spread offense to national prominence will now focus on a new chapter—one filled with family, rest, and the admiration of a state that will always call him theirs.
