“Hiring Rich Rodriguez would be a bad idea. Going back to Rich Rodriguez because it worked 20 years ago is a mistake,” 365 Sports pointed out. But why is there so much hate for him? Well, WVU once stood among CFB’s elite programs, going 32-5 from 2005 to 2007, winning four Big East titles, and having a rock-solid 60-26 record. And who built that? It’s none other than Rich Rodriguez, aka Rich Rod. But after a brutal 6-7 season, the magic feels long gone. Now, the situation escalates to a point that he’s losing his staff, too. Looks like the cracks in the foundation keep spreading, and WVU looks stuck in limbo.

We all know coaching turnover is a constant in FBS, with hundreds of coaches changing jobs annually, and last year seeing a historic one in three coaches switching teams. Considering the existing instability, Rodriguez needed to be especially careful. But West Virginia can’t seem to catch a break. Just as Rodriguez is trying to stabilize the ship, this $5.6 B franchise, fresh off their own disappointing end to the 2024 season, swoops in and poaches his defensive coordinator, Jeff Koonz.

CBS Sports reporter Matt Zenitz broke the news on X, stating, “The Green Bay Packers are hiring Jeff Koonz as a member of their defensive staff, sources tell @CBSSports / @247Sports.” It’s a major setback, given Koonz is leaving for the NFL without even completing a full season with Rodriguez.

Leaving WVU after 5 years, just as Rich Rodriguez takes the reins this season? Jeff Koonz joined the Mountaineers at a pivotal moment. Eight games in, they ranked 113th out of 133 FBS schools in passing yards allowed per game (261.1) and 84th nationally in total defense. But Koonz made an immediate impact. From his first game, WVU’s turnover production saw a dramatic shift.

Before facing the Bearcats, they’d only managed six forced turnovers all season. Then, against Cincinnati, they forced three turnovers, two for touchdowns, and another leading to a field goal. It’s clear why losing a coach like Jeff Koonz is a major blow for Rich Rodriguez’s Mountaineers. However, this isn’t the only setback the Mountaineers have faced lately.

Texas Longhorns lured their running backs coach, Chad Scott. Rich Rodriguez stepped into a rebuilding situation, and now the foundation is faltering under his leadership. Chad Scott has significantly impacted WVU’s running game since 2019, notably serving as the offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024 under Neal Brown. Thanks to his coaching, WVU’s rushing attack ranked in the Top 10 in the Power Four for consecutive seasons. He’s not just a playbook artist; he’s a star architect, too!

Scott played a pivotal role in the development of players like Leddie Brown, CJ Donaldson, and Jahiem White. His decision to transition Donaldson from tight end to running back was a bold move that paid off tremendously. Donaldson not only adapted but also excelled, emerging as one of the top rushers in the Big 12. Beyond his impact in the backfield, Donaldson also made significant contributions on special teams, notably during the 2022 Backyard Brawl against Pitt. In this crucial game, he left a lasting impression on fans by blocking a punt and scoring a touchdown.

So Scott is gone. Koonz is gone. But Rich Rodriguez is not among the ones who’s ready to take loss for an answer. And now he is out there, proving what he is capable of.

A major addition in Rich Rodriguez’s team

Guess what? Rich Rodriguez just landed a big fish! Larry Porter is joining the WVU crew as the new running backs coach. “Larry Porter brings years of successful experience to West Virginia and is a highly respected coach and recruiter. His ability to develop talent and the impact he will make on our running backs will be a huge asset,” Rodriguez stated about his recent hire. Porter brings almost 30 years of experience coaching Power Four running backs to the team, following a successful four-year run at North Carolina where he built a dominant rushing attack.

Now, Larry Porter’s impressive track record speaks for itself….

Picture this: UNC’s run game, a powerhouse last season, ripping through defenses and landing 16th in the Power Four. That’s Omarion Hampton for you, a two-time All-American, bulldozing his way to 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns. Then, he did it again in 2023, 1,504 yards, another 15 touchdowns, catapulting UNC into the Power Four’s top 11 rushing squads. And who’s now stepping into the Mountaineers’ backfield? Larry Porter.

He has got a coaching resume that reads like a highlight reel: Auburn, Texas, Arizona State, LSU, Oklahoma State—he’s built elite backfields everywhere he’s been. At LSU, he shaped NFL talents like Joseph Addai, Jacob Hester, and Charles Scott. Back at North Carolina, he was the mastermind behind their explosive rushing attacks. Remember 2015? The Tar Heels were 18th nationally in rushing, averaging 224.4 yards per game, their best since ’94. They were an offensive juggernaut, scoring a school-record 40.7 points per game, and he helped develop future NFL stars like Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan.

Porter’s got a knack for turning running backs into stars, no matter the conference. And that’s exactly what Rich Rodriguez is banking on. He’s confident Porter will build a stable of elite running backs in Morgantown. With his track record of sending players to the NFL, Mountaineer fans have every reason to be hyped. So, are you ready to see this Mountaineer run game explode?