Rich Rodriguez Offers West Virginia’s Plan, Timeline to Fill RB Coach Vacancy

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In the midst of talking about the start of WVU spring practice and what Rich Rodriguez expects from his players, he was asked about the recent vacancy at running backs coach.

With Chad Scott now with Texas, West Virginia has a void in one of the most important positions on Rodriguez’s coaching staff. But Rodriguez isn’t worried.

When asked directly by WV Sports Now at his press conference on Tuesday, Rodriguez estimated making an announcement “within a week” and being confident he will be able to find “a good coach” soon.

“It’s wide open,” Rodriguez said. “I have some guys in mind, but you know, I’ll be able to find a good coach.”

Rodriguez, as he did last week as well, hinted that his new running backs coach will likely be an external hire instead of promoting Mountaineer legends Pat White or Noel Devine. However, he did mention senior offensive assistant Travis Trickett and Devine are filling the void by working with the running backs during practice this week.

“Senior offensive assistant Travis (Trickett) is kind of floating around at several positions in the offense,” Rodriguez said, “and then Noel Devine is there as well, so we’re covered.”

Up until his exit, Scott was working as a member of Rodriguez’s staff. Rodriguez initially decided to retain Scott on his staff in the interest of furthering the development of running backs like Jahiem White and to help with recruiting.

A day after WVU confirmed the news and then Texas officially announced the hiring of Chad Scott, the former West Virginia coach released a statement to Mountaineer Nation.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege for my family and I to call West Virginia home for the past six years. I’m immensely grateful for my time at WVU, the staff, and all the players, especially my #BigLeagueBacks! To everyone who was part of our time here, and Mountaineer Nation, thank you for your unwavering support and passion,” said Scott.

For a related story, Rich Rodriguez explained how he uses tight ends shows how his offense has changed over the years.

Also, WV Sports Now has confirmed that College Football Hall of Famer Steve Slaton is not interested in the running backs coach position.