West Virginia University fans are expressing their frustration after the hiring of Rich Rodriguez as the Mountaineers’ new head coach. A wave of backlash has erupted on social media, with some calling Rodriguez the “worst hire ever” and insisting that former coach Neal Brown was a better fit for the program.
Rodriguez, who previously coached WVU from 2001 to 2007 before leaving for Michigan, was reappointed in December 2024. His return was met with mixed reactions, but as the Mountaineers struggle early in the 2025 season, discontent has grown among the fanbase.
Many fans argue that despite Brown’s ups and downs, he kept the program stable and had begun showing progress before his dismissal. Under Brown, WVU secured multiple bowl appearances and had a respectable record against top conference opponents. While not always dominant, his recruiting efforts and player development kept the team competitive.
“Neal Brown wasn’t perfect, but at least he had the program moving in the right direction,” said one WVU supporter on social media. “Rodriguez left us once, and now he’s back making things worse.”
Rodriguez, known for his up-tempo offensive schemes, has struggled to implement his system effectively, leading to early-season disappointments. Some fans have pointed to recruiting concerns, lackluster performances, and questionable in-game decisions as reasons for their frustration.
Despite the backlash, WVU’s administration remains confident in Rodriguez, urging patience as he rebuilds the program. “Coach Rodriguez has a vision for this team, and we believe in his ability to bring success back to Morgantown,” said an athletic department spokesperson.
With mounting pressure, Rodriguez faces a critical challenge to win over fans and prove he was the right choice for WVU football’s future.