MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia football is reuniting with a familiar face for its next head coach.

Rich Rodriguez has been named the next head coach of the Mountaineers, according to a news release from the university. He previously coached at WVU from 2001-07.

Rodriguez was officially named the 36th head coach of the Mountaineers on Thursday.

"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Rich Rodriguez and his family back home," WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said in the news release. "Coach Rodriguez understands what it takes to win at West Virginia, and I believe he will pour his heart, soul and every ounce of his energy into our program. I am convinced Coach Rodriguez wants what is best for West Virginia, WVU and West Virginia football, and I am excited about the future of our program."

Rodriguez said in the announcement that he is "filled with gratitude" to be returning to Morgantown.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head football coach at West Virginia University," Rodriguez said. "My family and I are filled with gratitude to lead the Mountaineer football program again and look forward to working with the many supporters, fans, and friends to build the best football program in America! Take Me Home!"

The hiring brings Rodriguez back to Morgantown after stops at Michigan, Arizona, Ole Miss, Hawaii, Louisiana-Monroe and Jacksonville State. He led the Gamecocks to a 27-10 record in three seasons at JSU.

On Wednesday, Rodriguez was named Conference USA Coach of the Year after leading Jax State to a conference championship game.

Rodriguez went 60-26 in seven seasons at WVU that included a period with players such as Pat White, Steve Slaton and Owen Schmitt that saw the team rise to national prominence.

The Marion County native initially fell out of favor with some Mountaineer fans following his departure for Michigan following WVU’s loss to rival Pitt in the 2007 Backyard Brawl.

A 1986 graduate of West Virginia and native of Grant Town, West Virginia, Rodriguez started at defensive back as a walk-on in 1981 and became a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back for the Mountaineers from 1982-84 under Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen.

Rodriguez replaces Neal Brown, who was fired from the role last week after accumulating a 37-35 record over six seasons.