Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rich Rodriguez

Discover the career path of Rich Rodriguez, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Rich Rodriguez is an American college football coach, currently head coach at West Virginia University. He previously held head coaching positions at Salem University, Glenville State College, Michigan, Arizona, and Jacksonville State. Noted for his spread offense, Rodriguez achieved success at West Virginia and later Arizona, but faced challenges and controversies at Michigan. He also served as an analyst for CBS Sports.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1998: Top 10 Ranking since 1998

In his third year at Arizona, Rodriguez led the Wildcats to their first 5–0 start and top 10 ranking since 1998 after beating No. 2 Oregon 31–24.

2007: Michigan's New Year's Day Bowl Appearance

In 2007, Michigan accepted a bid to play in the Gator Bowl, marking their first New Year's Day bowl since the 2007 season. However, Michigan's loss to Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl was the worst bowl loss in school history.

2008: Kurt Wermers Transfers After 2008 Season

In 2008, Michigan player Kurt Wermers transferred to Ball State University. Wermers claimed that he did not get along with the coaches after transferring following the 2008 season, but he was academically ineligible at the time of his transfer, calling into question the credibility of his claim.

2009: Victories Against Notre Dame

At Michigan, Rodriguez had a 2–7 record against the Wolverines' three regular season rivals, recording victories against Notre Dame in the 2009 and 2010 campaigns.

2009: Rodriguez's Recruiting Class Ranked Highly

Despite setbacks, Rodriguez's 2009 recruiting class was ranked eighth nationally by Rivals.com. Tom Dienhart of Sports Illustrated named Rodriguez the second-best football coach in the Big Ten Conference.

2009: Michigan players transfer amid criticism

In 2009, several Michigan players transferred and criticized Rich Rodriguez. Justin Boren, who transferred to Ohio State, cited offensive behavior and a "lack of family values" from the coaching staff. Boren became first team all Big Ten at Ohio State University.

2009: Michigan's 2009 Football Season

In 2009, the Wolverines opened the season with victories but finished with a 5–7 record, failing to qualify for bowl competition for the second consecutive year. Rodriguez ended the 2009 season with a loss to rival Ohio State.

2009: Similar Start to 2010 Campaign in 2009

The 2010 season got off to a similar start to the 2009 campaign, with the Wolverines winning their first five games of the season.

2010: First Win against FBS Team in October

During his time at Michigan, Rich Rodriguez did not record a win against a Football Bowl Subdivision team in October until the 2010 season, when the team recorded a road victory over Indiana.

2010: Michigan's 2010 Season Start and Finish

In 2010, Michigan won its first five games. The team finished Big Ten play with a 3–5 record. Michigan had earned a 7–5 record and, for the first time under Rodriguez, were bowl eligible.

January 4, 2011: Rumors of Rodriguez's Dismissal

On January 4, 2011, rumors circulated that Rich Rodriguez would be let go as Michigan coach. School officials initially denied this claim.

November 21, 2011: Rodriguez Hired as Arizona Wildcats Head Coach

On November 21, 2011, Rich Rodriguez was hired as the 30th head coach of the Arizona Wildcats football program, announced by athletic director Greg Byrne via Twitter. This concluded a 41-day search following Mike Stoops' dismissal.

2011: Speculation Surrounding Rodriguez's Future

Due to a disappointing season and another loss to Ohio State, Rich Rodriguez's future as Michigan's coach was in question as the 2011 season approached. Rumors intensified, particularly involving Jim Harbaugh as a potential replacement.

2011: Rodriguez Joins CBS Sports as Analyst

For most of 2011, Rich Rodriguez worked as an analyst for CBS Sports. He expressed openness to future coaching opportunities but acknowledged his move to Michigan was a mistake.

2014: Wildcats Win Pac-12 South Division

In 2014, Rich Rodriguez's Wildcats defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils, 42–35, to win the Pac-12 South Division, marking the first divisional championship in program history.

2014: Wildcats' 2014 Season

In 2014, the Wildcats advanced to the Pac-12 Football Championship Game and played in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Wildcats finished the 2014 season with a record of 10–4 (7–2 Pac-12).

December 27, 2017: Final Game at Arizona

On December 27, 2017, Rich Rodriguez coached his final game at Arizona, which resulted in a 38-35 loss against Purdue in the 2017 Foster Farms Bowl.

January 2, 2018: Rodriguez Fired from Arizona

On January 2, 2018, Rich Rodriguez was fired from the University of Arizona after a three-month internal investigation. The investigation was sparked by allegations of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

December 31, 2018: Rodriguez Accepts Offensive Coordinator Position at Ole Miss

On December 31, 2018, Rich Rodriguez accepted the offensive coordinator position at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), joining the staff of head coach Matt Luke.

December 2019: Rodriguez Not Retained by Ole Miss

In December 2019, after Matt Luke was fired as head coach at Ole Miss, new head coach Lane Kiffin did not offer Rich Rodriguez a contract.

January 12, 2021: Rodriguez Accepts Offensive Coordinator Position at Louisiana at Monroe

On January 12, 2021, Rich Rodriguez accepted the offensive coordinator position at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

November 30, 2021: Rodriguez Introduced as Jacksonville State Head Coach

On November 30, 2021, Rich Rodriguez was introduced as the new head coach of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, aiding their transition from FCS to FBS and producing successful seasons.