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Rodriguez on Thursday was named the head coach at West Virginia, where he rose to prominence in the 2000s as an offensive innovator who elevated the Mountaineers into a top-10 program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home," West Virginia vice president and director of athletics Wren Baker s. "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, 61, spent the past three seasons as the head coach at Jacksonville State, guiding the Gamecocks to a 27-10 record, including a Conference USA championship this season. Jacksonville State moved from FCS to FBS in 2023, and Rodriguez led the program to a bowl victory in its first season at the highest level of college football.

Rodriguez coached at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ from 2012-17, leading the Wildcats to five bowl appearances in six seasons — an unprecedented accomplishment in UA football annals.

Rodriguez was fired after the 2017 season amid allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile workplace environment. A lawsuit filed by a former administrative assistant who first made the allegations .

Rodriguez subsequently served as the offensive coordinator and play caller at Ole Miss and Louisiana-Monroe before landing the Jacksonville State job in November 2021. Three years later, he’s back at his alma mater.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University," said Rodriguez, who’s from Grant Town, West Virginia. "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!"

"West Virginians always find their way home again," WVU president Gordon Gee added in a news release. "I have spoken to Coach Rodriguez, and it is clear that his time away has provided reflection and renewed appreciation for West Virginia and West Virginia University.

“We look forward to having Rich, his family and his winning record back in Morgantown. I extend my thanks to Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker for his leadership in running an efficient and thorough search."

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ joined the Big 12 Conference this year and faced West Virginia in football for the first time on Oct. 26. The Mountaineers won 31-26.

West Virginia finished the season 6-6 and fired Neal Brown on Dec. 1.

The UA and WVU are next set to face each other in 2026 in Morgantown.