What Did Coastal Carolina HC Ryan Beard Say About West Virginia?

Some may be down on WVU football after a miserable 4-8 season in 2025, but the Mountaineers’ first opponent in 2026 isn’t about to doubt West Virginia.

Coastal head coach Ryan Beard is actually among those buying into the WVU hype ahead of his season opening matchup with the Mountaineers on Saturday afternoon. He detailed his feelings about the team Rich Rodriguez has put together and his track record as a head coach during his weekly press conference to preview the matchup.

“We understand the opportunity that West Virginia presents,” said Beard. “Tremendously coached football team. Got a ton of respect for Rich Rod and those guys. I think Coach [Rick] Trickett, the guy that runs their run game, he’s been coaching football longer than I’ve been alive. So I have a ton of respect for those guys and the way they run their program and the opportunity it presents for our Chanticleers,” he added.

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez looks on after winning the 2025 season opener – his first win as West Virginia’s head coach since 2007. (WVSN photo by William Wotring)

Beard also talked about preparing his team for the atmosphere, because a win over an historic program like West Virginia, especially in his first game on the job, could do wonders for what he’s trying to build there.

“We’re going to have to embrace the moment. I think the one thing you’ve heard about all week is West Virginia’s back and they’re going to run the ball, be explosive on offense, tremendous on defense. I think that sets up a little bit of ease and peace for us going into the game, knowing that all the pressure is on that side. We show up, be who we are, do what we need to do and see how the chips fall.”

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, Coastal Carolina head coach Ryan Beard isn’t being fooled, as he’s preparing for Michael Hawkins to start.