Rich Rodriguez tells fans upset over 2007 WVU departure: ‘I made a mistake’

During the 2007 season, Rich Rodriguez signed a new contract at West Virginia and had the Mountaineers in contention for a national title. But after one more season-ending loss Pittthe news of his plans to travel to Michigan – and lawsuits marred his departure from his alma mater.

Now, Rodriguez is back in Morgantown for another stint as WVU, and fans still remember how things ended the first time. One was present to his press conference on Friday, prompting police to escort them out. Pat McAfee said he heard the fan yelling about Michigan.

After speaking with reporters after his opening statement at the WVU Coliseum, Rodriguez acknowledged how his departure went. But he had a message for the upset fans and promised to earn back their trust.

“I understand there are fans who are upset,” Rodriguez said. “At least they don’t care, right? But sometimes everything isn’t what you think it is. But I made a mistake. And my promise to not only the people who are upset, but to everyone here that has been very, very supportive, I will earn your support – we will earn your support and your trust back, I am committed to that.

“And I’ve thought about that even before this opportunity — this is my home, it’s such a great state — that I wanted to be able to come back. I will prove to them that the man on my right (AD Wren Baker) made the right decision.”

Rodriguez went 60-26 during his previous stint at West Virginia from 2001-07 before leaving for Michigan. He has most recently worked on Jacksonville Statewhere he compiled a 27-10 record over three years and helped the Gamecocks to a Conference USA title in their second season at the FBS level.

Now Rodriguez is back in Morgantown. He also has qualities he is looking for – or rather, not looking for – with players.

“From (a culture) standpoint, if they’re a talented guy and they work hard and they buy into the program, I want them on,” Rodriguez said on McAfee’s show. “If they’re soft or lazy, if they don’t want to give their best effort, then I don’t want them around.

“I mean, it’s pretty simple, right? It’s like those two words — four-letter words, are soft and lazy. And that, to me, has nothing to do with talent or what year they’re in, and it’s and It. Coming from a state that I know very well, the people of West Virginia don’t want to be lazy. They don’t want people playing to represent them. are soft and lazy.”