West Virginia is on the hunt for a new head coach after firing Neal Brown following a disappointing 2024 season. The Mountaineers finished 6-6, ending Brown’s tenure with a 37-35 record over six seasons. While the team made four bowl games in his last five years, they failed to surpass six wins in most seasons, and they have not appeared in the AP Top 25 since 2019. Brown’s attempt to turn the defense around by firing coordinator Jordan Lesley mid-season failed, as the defense continued to struggle, allowing 36.5 points per game in the last four games.
This marks the first time West Virginia has fired a head coach since 2010, and speculation is high about who will become the program’s 36th head coach. For fans seeking updates, EerSports, the 247Sports affiliate covering West Virginia, is offering exclusive insights and access to VIP boards for discussions on the search and future of the football program.
One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Rich Rodriguez, the current head coach at Jacksonville State. Rodriguez, a West Virginia native and former Mountaineer player, previously led the team from 2001-2007, achieving two back-to-back 10-win seasons. He has since had success at Jacksonville State, guiding them through their transition from FCS to FBS while leading them to the Conference USA title game this year. Known for his strong offensive schemes, particularly in rushing and scoring, Rodriguez’s ties to West Virginia and his proven track record make him a top contender in the coaching search.
