
Rich Rodriguez has returned home.
In the most unlikely of events, the favorite son of Marion County who once coached WVU football to the edge of greatness only to abandon the University and the state, has returned to where it all began for him.
“It’s great to be home,” Rodriguez said at his introductory press conference Friday. “Should never have left.”
The literary references are inescapable.
Author Thomas Wolfe issued a warning for the ages in his novel You Can’t Go Home Again. Wolfe’s fictional character George Webber finds success as a writer but when he returns home, he is rejected by people for the way he portrayed the community in his book.
Wolfe writes that if you want to go back to the way things were, you will be disappointed. “Old forms and systems of things which once seemed everlasting are changing all the time—back home to the escapes of time and memory.”
Wolfe’s admonition is that things will never be like they were, so that is important to keep in mind with the return of Coach Rod. But that is okay, in fact, it is desirable.
During his first stint here, Rodriguez was head coach of a major program for the first time. At times, especially after losses, he could be maliciously angry and sullen. He made unreasonable demands on the University.
His career was on the rise, and he flirted with the Alabama job before storming off to Michigan after a career-defining loss to Pitt that prevented the Mountaineers from playing for the national championship. His unceremonious departure angered and embittered Mountaineer Nation.
And this brings up another literary reference, a story as old as time and the basis for countless books and movies. The hero ascends only to suffer an epic downfall, due in part to his own failings. He is cast out where, through fits and starts, he learns from his mistakes and seeks redemption.
In Rich Rod’s case, fate has brought him back to WVU for a second chance. He said Friday that he is older now and more mature. He has clearly thought about that… a lot. He said in the 17 years since he made what he describes as the biggest mistake of his professional career, he has tried to make himself better, “not only as a coach, but as a person.”
Good for him. We are drawn to stories of redemption because we can relate to them. Most of us have our own stories of mistakes, forgiveness and emotional healing.
In literature and in movies, these stories usually have a happy ending. The hero’s self-reflection and determination propel him to the professional and personal achievements that previously eluded him. Those who are invested in the story come away inspired and hopeful.
In the story of Rich Rodriguez and WVU football, Mountaineer Nation will watch intently as the final chapters are written.