"I am so blessed": Rich Rodriguez makes his feelings clear to Pat McAfee in first live interview WVU Head Coach 

Rich Rodriguez is returning to West Virginia for his second stint as the coach of its football team. Rodriguez held the same position from 2001 to 2007. His departure from West Virginia to coach at Michigan surprised fans at the time. However, on Thursday, it was announced that Rodriguez had signed a contract to return as coach after leaving the school 17 years prior.

On Friday afternoon, Rodriguez appeared on "The PatMcAfee Show." McAfee asked Rodriguez if it felt surreal for him to be back in Morgantown:

"That is the perfect word, surreal because it's been 17 years. I've been back in the state, obviously my family's here, my wife's family's here, but I haven't been back in the facility in 17 years. I kinda like what they've done with the place. You know it's real phenomenal what they've done facility wise."

"Certainly the support is there. We're still one of the top party schools in the country. That's a good thing I guess. I am so blessed to have this opportunity, I really am," Rodriguez added.

The athletic director announces the hiring of Rodriguez

Although there were reports that Rodriguez (who coached Jacksonville State this season) was headed back to West Virginia on Wednesday, the official announcement did not come until Thursday. Athletic director Wren Baker released a statement:

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home. Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program."

"I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program," Baker said.

Rodriguez made a statement of his own after he was hired:

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University. My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!"

The coaching change for West Virginia comes after the team fired Neal Brown on Dec. 1. He went 37-35 in six seasons, including 6-6 this year. Rodriguez will look to restore the winning culture the Mountaineers had during his first tenure, where they won four conference championships in seven seasons.