WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez has brought in former WVU quarterback Pat White to be the Assistant Quarterbacks Coach, along with being an Assistant to the Head Coach. We all know Pat White's history as a beloved piece WVU history, but what experience does he bring to the sideline? Let's dive into that together.
Some great quarterbacks throughout history performed at All-American status on the field. Still, when they put on the headset, they're sometimes unable to relay their knowledge to current athletes. Sometimes it comes down to being unable to adapt to how things have changed in college football, dealing with navigating the NIL landscape and the challenges that come with it, or having old school, Bear Bryant-type tendencies that would be frowned upon in this day and age -- but many can't transition to the coaching industry.
So, what value will Pat White bring to the table on the WVU sideline in an ever-changing landscape of college athletics? For starters, he brings experience as a former NFL player and coach. White spent multiple seasons playing professionally, and his most recent stint as an offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Chargers saw White and his fellow staff secure the third-best passing offense in the NFL in 2022 along with a playoff berth.
Previously, he also spent time at Alcorn State, where the program managed back-to-back 9-4 record and won a conference championship during his two-year tenure as Quarterbacks Coach. While he would hit a couple of rough patches with USF in 2020 and Alabama State in 2021, he has plenty of coaching experience with winning organizations.
Also, while accolades and accomplishments on the field don't always translate to being a good coach, when you have the type of love from your program's fan base and respect from your peers in the industry that White commands, you're already a step ahead of many others.
“It’s really special to welcome Pat White back to Morgantown as a member of our football coaching staff,” Rodriguez said. “He has been involved in some of the biggest wins in program history, and he will be a great presence in our quarterback room. Pat and I have been through so much together, and I am really proud of the quality of coach and mentor to young players that he has become.”
So it's safe to say as the program celebrates the return of an all-time great -- if you're looking to bring value to a program, then bringing in Pat White gives you an unmatched arsenal.