Rich Rodriguez, a name synonymous with West Virginia University football during its golden years, was once the face of a program that was known for its electric offenses, its passionate fanbase, and its rising stature in college football. When he left Morgantown to take the head coaching position at Michigan, it sent shockwaves through the college football landscape. His departure, after transforming the West Virginia Mountaineers into one of the most dynamic teams in the nation, was a move that would both define his career and complicate his relationship with the WVU faithful.
However, nearly a decade later, Rodriguez found himself returning to Morgantown under circumstances that few could have predicted. This time, he was back not as a young, ambitious coach looking to climb the ranks but as a seasoned veteran, scarred by the highs and lows of his career. His return to Morgantown was met with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and even some apprehension. It was a chance for redemption and to reconnect with the place that had made him a household name in college football.
In the midst of all the emotions and challenges surrounding his return, Rodriguez sought advice from a mentor who had experienced both the thrill of coaching success and the sting of failure—the former head coach of Ohio State, Jim Tressel. Tressel’s career at Ohio State was marked by consistent success, including a national championship and several Big Ten titles. His coaching philosophy was revered by many, not just for the on-field victories but also for the way he managed his team’s culture and maintained a strong connection with his players. Tressel’s leadership style, which emphasized discipline, character, and the importance of integrity, made him a perfect sounding board for Rodriguez as he looked to navigate the challenges ahead.
Rodriguez and Tressel had known each other for years, their paths crossing in the world of college football coaching. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, with Tressel appreciating Rodriguez’s offensive genius and work ethic, while Rodriguez admired Tressel’s calm, measured approach to leadership. As Rodriguez prepared for his return to Morgantown, he reached out to Tressel for advice. He knew that he needed more than just Xs and Os to succeed in his second stint in West Virginia—he needed guidance on how to navigate the complexities of returning to a place that had both shaped and complicated his career.
Tressel’s advice to Rodriguez was grounded in a few simple but powerful principles. First and foremost, he told Rodriguez to embrace the challenges and emotions that came with returning to Morgantown. Tressel understood better than most that a coach’s relationship with a program is never simple. It’s filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks, and moments of both clarity and confusion. He encouraged Rodriguez to not shy away from the complexity of his emotions but to use them as a source of strength. According to Tressel, it was through embracing the full range of experiences that Rodriguez could find a way to reconnect with the passionate fanbase and players who had once rallied behind him.
Secondly, Tressel urged Rodriguez to focus on the big picture and not to get bogged down by the small distractions that often arise when a coach returns to a program they once left. In the case of Rodriguez, there were plenty of distractions—from the fans who felt betrayed by his departure to the media who would undoubtedly scrutinize every move he made. Tressel reminded Rodriguez that success in coaching was not about avoiding criticism but about focusing on what truly mattered: building a program, developing players, and creating a culture of excellence. “You can’t control what people say or think,” Tressel told Rodriguez. “But you can control how you respond and how you build your team.”
Another key piece of advice that Tressel gave to Rodriguez was to stay true to his own coaching style and philosophy, despite the external pressures he might face. Rodriguez had always been known for his fast-paced, spread offense, a style that had revolutionized college football at the time. But after his time at Michigan, where his system struggled to gain traction, Rodriguez was aware that his approach might be seen as outdated by some. Tressel, however, cautioned him against making drastic changes just to appease the critics. “Stay true to who you are,” Tressel said. “Your system works when you have the right players and the right culture. Don’t get lost in trying to be something you’re not.”
This advice from Tressel was particularly poignant. Rodriguez’s offensive philosophy had brought him success at both West Virginia and Arizona, but his time at Michigan was marred by inconsistent performance and a clash with the program’s traditional culture. The pressure to win immediately and conform to the expectations of a prestigious program like Michigan had caused him to second-guess some of his core principles. Returning to West Virginia, however, offered Rodriguez the chance to rebuild his legacy on his own terms, without the weight of outside expectations dictating his every move.
Tressel also emphasized the importance of leadership and communication, two areas where many coaches often struggle. He explained to Rodriguez that coaching was about more than just drawing up plays or calling the right shots during a game. It was about leading young men, helping them grow both on and off the field, and fostering a sense of trust and unity within the team. Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown would require him to rebuild relationships with former players and forge new ones with the current roster. Tressel reminded him that leadership was not about being liked—it was about being respected. And respect, Tressel explained, was earned through consistency, integrity, and a genuine care for the well-being of the players.
Lastly, Tressel offered Rodriguez a reminder that coaching was a long-term endeavor. It was easy to get caught up in the pressures of winning immediately, but true success in coaching was about sustaining excellence over time. Tressel’s career was a testament to this idea, as he had built a legacy at Ohio State that had lasted for more than a decade. Rodriguez was still relatively young in his coaching career, and Tressel reminded him that the journey was just as important as the destination. “It’s not about the next game,” Tressel said. “It’s about building a program that lasts.”
As Rodriguez took Tressel’s advice to heart, he prepared to face the challenges ahead in Morgantown. He understood that the road to redemption would not be easy, but with Tressel’s guidance, he felt more equipped to handle the pressures of his return. The journey back to the top of college football would require him to embrace the complexities of his past while focusing on the future. In the end, it was the wisdom and mentorship of Jim Tressel that would provide Rodriguez with the perspective and clarity he needed to navigate his second chance at West Virginia.
Rodriguez’s return to Morgantown would be marked by a renewed commitment to his coaching philosophy, a focus on building relationships with players, and an unwavering belief in the power of his offensive system. With Tressel’s advice in mind, he would strive to create a team that embodied the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity. And in doing so, Rodriguez hoped to honor the legacy of the program he had helped build, while also ensuring that his own story would be remembered as one of perseverance and redemption.
