West Virginiaโs football renaissance continuesโthis time with head coach Rich Rodriguez taking a seat on the mic. During a compelling episode of the In the Gun podcast, former Mountaineer standout and NFL punter turned media star Pat McAfee welcomed Rodriguez for an in-depth chat that resonated deeply with fans across Morgantown and beyond
๐ A Homecoming Worth Talking About
This season marks Rodriguezโs second stint at WVUโan emotional homecoming nearly 17 years after his initial run from 2001 to 2007, during which he posted a 60โ26 record and led the Mountaineers to multiple bowl victories . His decision to return stemmed from a desire to โfinish his story,โ as coach put itโseeking redemption and renewed legacy in the state and program he cherishes
๐ฃ๏ธ Patโs Emotional Moment
McAfee didnโt hold back. Reflecting on their shared heartbreak from WVUโs 2007 playoff snub, he said:
โI think about it every single dayโฆ he still thinks about it every single f****** dayโฆ He wants to make it right.โ
The raw conviction was palpable. Both men expressed that this comeback isnโt just about footballโitโs deeply personal.
๐ Key Insights from the Conversation
- Mission-driven comeback: Rodriguez emphasized he was brought back not for nostalgiaโbut to win championships and elevate WVUโs stature
- Building a tougher culture: Heโs been vocal about stamping out โsoftnessโ in the program, stressing mental and physical resilience during spring practices
- Modern complexities: Rodriguez recognizes the challenges of todayโs college football landscapeโfrom NIL deals to the transfer portal. Heโs adapting aggressively to navigate them
๐ What This Means for WVU Football
Rodriguezโs appearance on โIn the Gunโ underscored a renewed sense of purpose. As McAfee and fellow alumni voice their supportโincluding emotional affirmations and visible excitement at the ColiseumโRodriguezโs message is clear: heโs back, more prepared and emotionally invested than ever in turning WVU into a powerhouse again
๐ Final Take
Rich Rodriguezโs candid moments on McAfeeโs platform signal more than just a coaching changeโthey reveal a coach driven by unfinished business, hungry to rebuild and re-energize the Mountaineer program. With the full weight of expectations behind him and alumni rallying, the pieces are falling into place for a transformative era of WVU football.
