Key Assistant Coach Expects WVU Football to Compete for Championships

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – Believing something is possible is the first step in eventually accomplishing a goal. WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez has made his goals for his return to West Virginia known – he wants to win a national championship. And fortunately for Rodriguez, one of his key assistants truly believes that’s possible.

Pat Kirkland, West Virginia’s special teams coordinator and defensive assistant, shared what he envisions out of his second tenure with the Mountaineers.

“This is my second time here. We had tremendous success the first time at West Virginia. This is a place where we expect to compete for a conference championship and a national championship,” said Kirkland with conviction.

Kirkland followed Rodriguez from Jacksonville State, where the two worked together from 2022-24. Kirkland also worked under Rodriguez during his first stint at WVU in 2006 and 2007 and then stayed to coordinate recruiting from 2008-11 under Dana Holgorsen.

So Kirkland was around for each of the last two occasions West Virginia reached the national stage as a true contender – the 2007 season that led to Rodriguez’s departure and WVU’s last conference title when they won the Big East and then hung 70 points on Clemson to win the Orange Bowl.

Historically speaking, WVU football remains one of the most decorated programs without a national championship. And while some argue WVU should claim a title for their 10-0-1 season way back in 1922 (WVU was the only undefeated bowl champion that season), much the same way other schools have claimed controversial championships, it’s clear this current staff wants to bring one no one could deny home to West Virginia.

“Pat has years of special teams and defensive experience that will help elevate all phases of our program here at West Virginia,”  Rodriguez said about Kirkland. “He has a lot of passion for the state and does an outstanding job in recruiting and developing our players. We’re excited to have him back on our staff again.”

Kirkland also coached bandit linebackers while at Jacksonville State, although Jeff Casteel was hired yesterday for that position.

For a related story, Mike Asti explains why WVU defensive coordinator Zac Alley is facing pressure.