Morgantown, West Virginia— Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez made a sincere and surprising announcement that ended weeks of uncertainty about his health, leaving the West Virginia University community and the rest of the college football world startled. During a gloomy press conference conducted at Milan Puskar Stadium on Monday morning, the veteran coach bravely revealed that he has been quietly battling a terrible medical condition.
Rodriguez, fighting back emotions, began his statement with gratitude and honesty.
“This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my career,” he told me. “I’ve always believed in addressing obstacles head-on, both on and off the field. So today, I’m going to share something personal with everyone because you deserve to know the truth.”
Rodriguez, 61, stated that he was diagnosed with a rare but treatable cancer. He stressed that the diagnosis occurred after months of weariness and unexplained symptoms, which he initially attributed to the demands of coaching.
“For a while, I didn’t think much about it. I assumed it was just worry, weariness, or age catching up with me. But after various tests earlier this summer, I got the news no one likes to hear.
The news sent shockwaves through the Mountaineers fan base. Rodriguez, known for his intense enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic, delivered a gut punch to players, staff, and supporters who had seen him lead with great determination since returning to the program.
Despite the prognosis, Rodriguez has made it plain that he would continue to coach.
“Let me be clear: I’m not quitting. This team, these young men, this university—they are my motivation to keep fighting. I will be having treatment, but I will continue to coach, even if it means relying more on my staff in the coming weeks.”
West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker expressed his entire support for Rodriguez, assuring the public that the school is committed to his recovery.
“Coach Rod is a fighter.” We fully support him. His health is our main priority, but we also know that no one represents Mountaineer toughness like Rich Rodriguez.”
Within minutes after the announcement, players took to social media to express their prayers, encouragement, and undying support. Trey Wallace, a senior quarterback, tweeted, “Coach has always had our back. Now it’s our turn to get his.” The Mountaineer family never breaks.”
Rodriguez closed his address with a heartfelt plea to the Mountaineer Nation.
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing family. This program has captured my heart in ways that cannot be expressed. I’m not sure what the road ahead looks like, but I promise you this: I’ll give it everything I have. ” Just as I always have.”
As Rich Rodriguez tackles this unexpected struggle, one thing is certain: he is not alone. He is surrounded by the might of an entire state, a program that believes in him, and a legacy founded on tenacity, guts, and heart.