Pete Thamel, ESPNDec 11, 2024, 07:45 PM ET. College Football Senior Writer for ESPN and Insider for College Gameday.Rich Rodriguez, the current head coach at Jacksonville State, is on the verge of returning to the place where he achieved his greatest coaching feats. Sources have indicated that a deal is set to be finalized in the near future, making him the prime candidate to lead the West Virginia Mountaineers.

"Rich Rodriguez's Homecoming - A Game-Changer for West Virginia Football"

West Virginia's Familiar Face

Rich Rodriguez, a native of West Virginia, left a bitter taste with his departure from the school. However, his return home holds significant power. During his seven-season tenure at West Virginia (2001 to 2007), he led the team to three consecutive 10-win campaigns and a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia in 2006. His final year was especially promising as West Virginia was on the brink of the Bowl Championship Series title game before an upset loss to Pittsburgh. This departure led to a tense split, including a legal battle over his buyout.Now, as West Virginia searches for a replacement for the fired Neal Brown, Rodriguez has emerged as the favorite. His time at Jacksonville State has been remarkable, guiding the team to back-to-back 9-4 seasons and winning the Conference USA title this year with a resounding 52-12 win over Western Kentucky.

The Changing Landscape of West Virginia Football

When Rodriguez left nearly two decades ago, West Virginia was a dominant force in the Big East. Since joining the Big 12 in 2012, the school has had only one 10-win season and has not been nationally ranked since 2016. Rodriguez's return is expected to bring an increase in support as West Virginia operated with one of the lower NIL budgets during Brown's tenure. His presence will galvanize a significant segment of fans and donors.The homecoming will also give West Virginia a much-needed boost of relevance. His first marquee game will be against nemesis Pitt on Sept. 13 in Morgantown, creating a buzz that is sure to reverberate through college football.

Rodriguez's Post-West Virginia Journey

After leaving West Virginia, Rodriguez struggled to find the same level of success. His three years at Michigan ended in infamy with a 15-22 record. He then moved to Arizona, where he had mixed results in his six years, going 43-35. However, he led the Wildcats to the Fiesta Bowl in 2014 and upset No. 2 Oregon during the regular season.Despite the challenges, Rodriguez's return to West Virginia is a significant event. It represents a chance for him to redeem himself and bring the school back to its former glory. His coaching expertise and passion for the game will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the West Virginia football program.