BACK AT WVU -- Then-West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez yells onto the field during the second half of a game against East Carolina on Sept. 22, 2007. What had been speculation became true Thursday, when it was announced that Rodriguez would return as WVU's head football coach. -- Associated Press

West Virginia University officially has reached back into its past to find its new football coach. The University announced Thursday morning that Rich Rodriguez was returning to WVU to head its football program.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said in the official announcement. “My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!”

Rodriguez coached the Mountaineers from 2001-07 and led the team to some of its greatest triumphs. He then had coaching stints at Michigan (2008-10) and Arizona (2012-17). He spent the last three years as head coach at Jacksonville State after serving as an off-field analyst and assistant coach at multiple schools.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” WVU athletic director Wren Baker said. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.”

Rodriguez and the Gamecocks finished the 2024 season by beating Western Kentucky for the Conference USA championship in just the program’s second season in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The team will play in the Cure Bowl, the 14th bowl a Rodriguez-coached team has qualified for. Rodriguez is 6-6 in bowls in which he has coached.

A 1986 graduate of West Virginia and native of Grant Town, Rodriguez started at defensive back as a walk-on in 1981 and became a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back for the Mountaineers from 1982-84 under Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen.

“West Virginians always find their way home again,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “I have spoken to Coach Rodriguez, and it is clear that his time away has provided reflection and renewed appreciation for West Virginia and West Virginia University. We look forward to having Rich, his family, and his winning record back in Morgantown. I extend my thanks to Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for his leadership in running an efficient and thorough search.”