The reunion is now official; WVU has announced that Rich Rodriguez will be the next head coach of the Mountaineers.

Rodriguez previously coached West Virginia from 2001-2007 and now the West Virginia native returns back to his alma mater for a second tenure. He becomes the fourth head coach in WVU football history to have separate tenures.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said in a press release. “Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program.” 

Rodriguez was most recently the head coach of Jacksonville State, which went 8-4 in the regular season and defeated Western Kentucky in the Conference USA Championship. Since leaving WVU in 2007, Rodriguez has also been the head coach of Michigan and Arizona.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University,” Rodriguez said in a press release. “My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!”

An official press conference welcoming back Rodriguez will occur on Friday.

Photo Courtesy of WVU Athletics