Rich Rodriguez Return Sparks Polarizing Reaction for WVU Fans

The news is now official and the roller coaster ride that was the search for the next head coach of WVU football is over. Rich Rodriguez is returning to West Virginia to take over as WVU’s 36th head coach. And to say that news sparked a big reaction from Mountaineer Nation would be a serious understatement.

The reaction was vast, but also showed not everyone is onboard with taking Rodriguez back after such a bitter divorce all those years ago.

Every big donor and former player wanted him, publicity will be great, NIL efforts, etc.

I hope winning will follow, but it’s been a generation since Rich Rodriguez was an innovator in college football.

He gets the prodigal return home to WVU. He better not f— it up again.

— George Gerbo (@Gerbo3) December 11, 2024

Rich Rodriguez was the first person to break my heart, I think😂

I was 11 and WVU football was quite literally the most important thing in my life, and I just couldn’t grasp why the WV guy would just leave like that.

Anyway, I guess I’m an adult now so welcome back Rich Rod!

— Alec Sawyer (@AlecSawyer) December 11, 2024

I hate this coaching decision for #WVUFootball I feel like Wren Baker had to make this hire because of the pressure from donors. Now we’re stuck with a 60 year old has been when the program needed a younger guy to navigate this new era of college football.

— Chris Meadows (@meadoz) December 11, 2024

Rich Rodriguez coming back is huge for the West Virginia program that was real WVU football back in the day …happy they are gunna get back to that …that was the team that made me a fan #WVUFootball

— Anthony (@DEBO18410) December 12, 2024

If he can bring back his era of wvu football my buddies would respect me again. https://t.co/auVKnXg88m

— Dale (@MrEverything69) December 12, 2024

WVU football is going to play like their couches are on fire again.

— Kervie Mata (@Kervie) December 12, 2024

I didn't think it would be Rich. I think there were better options… But that said, I'm excited. Neal Brown is not our coach anymore, and we know RR loves hard nose football. #WVU

— Joe Talks Sports (@jtalksports) December 12, 2024

Make WVU Football Great Again! https://t.co/rkGt8z9gs7

— Edward Jones (@TheLargeGent) December 12, 2024

https://t.co/ouWfkiQGsV pic.twitter.com/nunbQttlq4

— Bāsu (@larryhorselives) December 12, 2024

Somebody please make a meme with 90s Stone Cold Steve Austin’s entrance but with Rich Rodriguez walking into Mountaineer Field as “My gawd that’s Rich Rod’s music!”#WVUFootball

— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) December 11, 2024

Worst night of my sports life…

But glad Rich Rod is back home!

Let's Goooooooo! pic.twitter.com/ilocGWLVQk

— Mike Gill (@MikeGillShow) December 12, 2024

Can’t believe we’re going from a good hearted coach like Neal Brown to this POS https://t.co/wmXTm20u7P

— Incivil EnginEER (@incivilenginEER) December 11, 2024