Nostalgia there, but focus on now for Rich Rodriguez

Today will bring a moment that at one time not many, if any, expected to see with Rich Rodriguez returning to the sidelines as the head coach of West Virginia.

The history between the two is well documented at this point, as is the reunion that brought the pair back together after relieving former head coach Neal Brown of his duties in December.

Rodriguez coached the Mountaineers from 2001-07 and the former player led the program to a 60-26 record, including three consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins. Rodriguez would depart the program and travel a winding road which eventually brought him back to the Mountain State.

So, to say that the kickoff against Robert Morris would be surreal would be an understatement.

“I think it’ll be a little surreal like it was, the opening press conference,” Rodriguez said.

However, Rodriguez is quick to say that he doesn’t want it to be about him or the new coaches, but instead West Virginia. He is grateful for the people on staff, as well as the fan base, which has welcomed him back with open arms since his return was announced. That has been evident with season ticket sales.

“It’s been phenomenal to be back and feel everybody’s support for the program and for what we’re trying to build here,” Rodriguez said.

The nostalgia only goes so far though, and Rodriguez has flipped his mindset to the task at hand. That is trying to win football games this coming season with his coaching staff and players.

And once his team takes the field at 2 p.m., the focus instead will be on the coin toss and going from there.

“Only thing I can say that the staff, myself, the players are, what I want to do is have a certain work ethic and commitment to the program that our fans would appreciate. And from that standpoint, that’s always going to happen,” Rodriguez said.

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