Rich Rodriguez sends 3-word message to fans following emphatic return as West Virginia University HC

The Jackson State Gamecocks lost coach Rich Rodriguez just weeks after they beat the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 52-12 in the Conference-USA championship game. On Thursday, the West Virginia Mountaineers announced Rodriguez's return after a prior six-year tenure in Morgantown.

He was welcomed back with an enthusiastic statement from West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home," Wren Baker wrote. "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."

After the announcement was made, Rodriguez posted an enthusiastic message on X.

"Take me home!" Rodriguez wrote.

Rich Rodriguez returns to right past wrongs

Rich Rodriguez coached the Mountaineers between 2001 and 2007. He managed a 60-26 (34-14 conference) record, which included four Big East championship wins and two New Year's Six bowl appearances.

Rodriguez will replace coach Neal Brown who struggled in Morgantown and only managed a 37-35 (25-28 conference record in his six-year tenure. For all his past success as coach of the Mountaineers, Rodriguez did not leave with the cleanest slate. He took the Michigan Wolverines and did not coach in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl due to the pivot to Ann Arbor.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University," Rodriguez said in a release. "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!"

Popular ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, who played under Rodriguez, had a heartfelt message for the coach during Thursday's segment of his show referencing his acrimonious departure.

“He’s done a lot of really great things for that university and I think he knows it’s not really talked about because of how it all ended," McAfee said. "He really wants to go back and make it right, and I think it is going to be a very welcoming time...I’m really excited and I’m pumped for Coach Rod, man. I know deep down in his gut and his soul he wishes he could redo everything. And it’s like, now you got a chance. Here we go!”

West Virginia Mountaineers fans will hope that the second coming of Rich Rodriguez is even half as successful as the first one.