Courtesy of jaxstatesports.com
On Friday, Dec. 13, Jacksonville State University head football coach Rich Rodriguez announced his resignation to accept the head coaching position at West Virginia.
Rodriguez led the Gamecocks to 27 wins over his three seasons in Jacksonville, highlighted by a 7-1 record in Conference USA this season and culminated in the program’s first conference championship at the FBS level.
“Coach Rodriguez has been an outstanding leader for Jacksonville State football, playing a pivotal role in our successful transition to the FBS and making a lasting impact on our program, our student-athletes, and our university as a whole,” said JSU State Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz. “We understand this is an incredible opportunity for him and his family, and we wish him all the best at West Virginia.”
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Rod Smith will serve as the interim head coach during the StaffDNA Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, next week. A national search for the next head coach is underway.
“Jacksonville State is coming off an incredible season, capped by a Conference USA Championship, which has firmly established us as a national brand,” said Seitz. “This program’s success, tradition and upward trajectory make it one of the most attractive opportunities in college football. We are excited to find the next leader who will continue to build on this momentum and help us achieve even greater heights.”
