A wave of emotion filled the West Virginia University Coliseum on Friday as Rich Rodriguez was introduced as the new and returning head coach of the WVU Mountaineers football team. The press conference seemed to have fans excited and worried in equal measure. As Rodriguez spoke about returning to his roots, reactions ran the gamut.
Pat McAfee, the former WVU punter and fan favorite who was in attendance, said, “37 minutes until the press conference and people are on fire. When you walk around Morgantown, you feel the history.”
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker set the tone early, addressing the crowd about what makes WVU what it is. “It is you, our fans and supporters, who make this program what it is. You are the reason WVU thrives, and we are proud to welcome home one of our own.”
As Baker introduced Rodriguez, the atmosphere grew electric. In the crowd, some saw this as a moment of redemption, a chance for the team to regain their glory. But not everyone was ready to forget the past.
When Rodriguez first stepped onto the stage, the cheers were interrupted by a voice from the audience, “Go back to (bleep) Michigan!” The comment, likely referring to Rodriguez’s controversial departure his first time with WVU, was met with a loud response from the crowd, with fans attempting to drown out the negativity with applause and chants.
“It is good to be home,” Rodriguez said. He admitted, “I should have never left. This place has always been special to me.”
For the returning coach, this was more than just a job, it was a homecoming. He spoke about his connection to West Virginia, not just as a coach, but as a student and athlete who had once walked the same campus. “I know this town. I lived here. I was a student here, and I was an athlete here.”
While the overwhelming mood was one of optimism, not all attendees were ready to buy into the hype. For many, Rodriguez’s departure from WVU still stings.
Ryan Linder, a student at WVU, expressed his mixed emotions. “I am excited, but I am also skeptical,” he said. “A lot of fans are going to have a short leash for him.”
Linder was not the only one who felt this way. Owen Atkins said, “I can tell he is passionate about West Virginia, and I’m excited for what he can bring. But I do wonder if he can really turn the program around.”
In contrast, Cande Brandt, a Morgantown local, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season. “I feel they made the right choice bringing him back. It feels like the right fit.”
Her husband, Bill Brandt, who has lived in Morgantown for 38 years, echoed her sentiments. “I wanted him to stay the first time he was here. I’m glad he’s back,” he said.
For those who have lived in the state for decades, Rodriguez’s return feels like a step toward reclaiming what was lost when he left. Many said they believe his return could start the team’s next chapter of success.
Still, there is an undertone of skepticism from many WVU fans. For them, the years since Rodriguez’s departure have left scars, and only time will tell. The phrase “one coach away from being a winning team” was said by Jake Lotz, a WVU student who optimistically added, “I am hopeful we are on the verge of greatness again.”
