It was reported on Saturday by national college football insider Brett McMurphy of Action Network that current Jacksonville State coach and former West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez is "in the mix" for the Mountaineers' football head coach opening.
Jacksonville State coach Rich Rodriguez is in mix for West Virginia job, sources told @ActionNetworkHQ. Rodriguez, who was WVU's coach from 2001-07, is not the clear cut favorite but among leading candidates, source said
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 7, 2024
It had been rumored earlier this week by anonymous sources that Rodriguez was set to interview for the opening. However, Rodriguez shut down those rumors on Friday night after leading Jacksonville State to a Conference USA championship.
"I have nothing scheduled," Rodriguez said regarding interviews for coaching openings.
McMurphy did note that Rodriguez was in no way the "clear-cut favorite" for the position, despite what numerous voices around Morgantown have been reporting. Sources have also told HailWV that program alumni, former NFL star, ESPN analyst, and WWE commentator Pat McAfee, who played for Rodriguez during his first stint at WVU, has promised a significant NIL donation if Rodriguez ends up with the job.
Rodriguez went 60-26 during his seven-year tenure at WVU, earning six bowl bids that included to BCS bowl appearances. He also pioneered the read option in a spread offense at WVU while coaching the dynamic duo of quarterback Pat White and running back Steve Slaton.