Rich Rodriguez is making a return to West Virginia after leaving the program 17 years ago, largely due to disagreements over funding for his assistant coaches. This time, Rodriguez will have ample resources at his disposal.
According to a memorandum of understanding signed on December 11, the newly appointed head coach has entered into a five-year deal, commencing with a salary of $3.5 million for his first season. Following that, his salary will increase by $100,000 each year. In comparison, his predecessor, Neal Brown, was making $4 million this season before his dismissal on December 1.
In addition to his salary, Rodriguez will benefit from a substantial annual budget of $5 million dedicated to his on-field assistant coaches and an extra $2.5 million allocated for his football support staff, as outlined in the agreement.
Rodriguez, now 61, was introduced on Friday, marking his second tenure in Morgantown. He experienced considerable success during his first tenure, posting a record of 60 wins and 26 losses from 2001 to 2007. This season, the Mountaineers finished with a 6-6 record under Brown and are set to compete against No. 25 Memphis in the Frisco Bowl on Tuesday evening.
After departing for Michigan in December 2007, Rodriguez expressed that promises made by prior West Virginia administrations were not fulfilled, and his requests for increased funding for assistant coaches were turned down. He noted a significant deterioration in relations with then-athletic director Ed Pastilong, stating that by August 2007, their communication had nearly ceased.
In December 2006, Rodriguez had considered a lucrative six-year, $12-million offer to coach Alabama, a position that ultimately went to Nick Saban. At that time, he was also granted a $100,000 supplemental payment for his assistant coaches. However, just before leaving for Michigan, he was again denied a further request for an additional $50,000 for the assistant coaches’ budget.
After his stint at Michigan, which lasted three seasons, and another six years at Arizona—where he was dismissed from both positions—Rodriguez most recently coached Jacksonville State. Under his leadership, Jacksonville State secured the Conference USA championship earlier this month.
As part of the agreement with West Virginia, the university will assume a $1.25 million buyout fee owed to Jacksonville State. Should Rodriguez decide to leave before the contract concludes, he will owe 25% of his total compensation over the agreement’s duration. However, if he is let go, he stands to receive 50% of his remaining compensation.