Rich Rodriguez Clears Up Any Confusion About Losing a Coach to Georgia

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A day after officially announcing the hiring of Deke Adams, Rich Rodriguez cleared up any confusion about the incredibly short tenure of the coach who was initially joined the WVU football staff to help shore up the pass rush.

During his first press conference of the spring practice period, Rodriguez instantly smirked and laughed a little when asked about losing a coach after only 36 days on the job.

But before adding Adams as his new defensive ends coach, Larry Knight was announced on Jan. 12. However, Knight didn’t last long. He changed course and decided to take a job with Georgia.

“He [Knight] took a job at Georgia. He’s from Georgia and he got offered,” responded a laughing Rodriguez about Knight getting poached by the SEC power. Rodriguez isn’t taking Knight’s fast exit personal. Aside from Knight being from Georgia, so it’s not just simply bolting for a higher profile program, Rodriguez did receive a curtesy call from Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.

The Mountaineers were then able to quickly pivot to Adams, who Rodriguez admitted being surprised was even available.

“We’re fortunate that he [Adams] was available and that he was out there. He was at Arkansas. He’s been in the SEC. So he knows what it looks like. And I think he’s a great addition to the staff.”

Rodriguez also raved about Adams as part of West Virginia’s press release with the news.

“Deke brings an extensive background in developing and coaching defensive linemen,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “He is an outstanding addition to the Mountaineer coaching staff, and I want to welcome him, his wife, Alexis, and his two sons to our football program.”

Adams comes to West Virginia after serving as the defensive line coach at Arkansas each of the past four seasons. The Razorbacks recorded 22 sacks last season with Adams on staff. Arkansas’ highest total with Adams came in his first year there in 2022 when they registered 42.

Prior to Arkansas, Adams has also coached at Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, helping to mentor 2014 No. 1 NFL draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, North Carolina and Southern Miss. Adams’ Gamecocks front also featured defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles, who earned first-team All-SEC and All-America honors along with Clowney. Quarles and Clowney became the first South Carolina duo since 1984 to earn All-America status in the same season.

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