New West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez still vividly recalls the time he nearly became Alabama’s head coach—before legendary coach Nick Saban ultimately landed the job. Now 61, Rodriguez has returned to lead his alma mater for a second stint, taking over the Mountaineers this offseason.
Rodriguez, a former West Virginia safety, previously led the program from 2001 to 2007, compiling a 60-26 record, winning four Big East titles, and earning two New Year’s Six bowl victories. His success made him a hot commodity during coaching searches, and in 2006, Alabama offered him the head coaching position as they looked to replace Mike Shula. Rodriguez turned it down and stayed in Morgantown, while Alabama pivoted to Saban—who, after a brief stint in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, had already won a national title at LSU.
The two coaches ended up on very different trajectories. Saban became a college football icon, retiring after the 2023 season with a 206-29 record, nine SEC titles, and six national championships at Alabama. Rodriguez, meanwhile, struggled to replicate his early success. He coached Michigan for three seasons, then spent six years at Arizona before being dismissed. He later held assistant roles at Ole Miss and Louisiana-Monroe, followed by two seasons as Jacksonville State’s head coach before returning to West Virginia.
Reflecting on his choice to pass on Alabama, Rodriguez jokingly told CBS Sports’ Josh Pate, “Where’s my trophy in Tuscaloosa? Where’s my statue outside there? Because if I had gone there you probably wouldn’t have those six national championships.”
He added, “It’s fascinating how one decision can impact so many programs. That’s the nature of this profession. I’ve learned a lot since then, and I try not to dwell on the past.” Before joining Jacksonville State in 2022, Rodriguez said he finally took time to reflect on his journey. “I just said, ‘Let’s focus on today, be better tomorrow, and see where it takes us.’ That mindset brought me back here.”
Now, Rodriguez has come full circle, returning to a familiar place with a renewed opportunity. West Virginia kicks off its 2025 season at home against Robert Morris on August 30.
