Poll: How Do You Feel About Rich Rodriguez Back at WVU?

While some believe the hiring of Rich Rodriguez is what’s best for the future of WVU football, there are plenty of West Virginia fans still upset over his exit 17 years ago.

But no matter what anyone may think about Rodriguez back in Morgantown, he’s here and there’s already been an increase in NIL support and expectations.

There was one main point WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez wanted to hammer home during his introductory press conference – it’s great to be home.

Rodriguez continuously kept bringing up his feelings about being back in West Virginia as the leader of the Mountaineers while talking to WVU fans, and even his detractors too, about what his second tenure will be like.

“It is great to be home. Should’ve never left,” said Rodriguez, who also had to step back to stop himself from getting choked up.

WVU HC Rich Rodriguez Admits Past Mistakes: ‘Should’ve Never Left’

Part of what got Rodriguez emotional was when he described the passion he still feels for his home state and school.

“I get to coach at the greatest university in this country. I get to live in the greatest state in the union. And more importantly, I get to be around the greatest people that you can be around,” he said while holding back tears.

Rodriguez admitted that he always hoped he would someday get the opportunity to return to West Virginia to right the wrong of his 2007 exit and finish the unfinished business left from the way his first tenure ended.

However, even though Rodriguez is apologetic, it still appears some fans are hesitant to trust him again.

How do you feel about Rodriguez’s return?

For a related story, Mike Asti details the immense pressure that’s now on Rich Rodriguez to win big back at WVU.