Cornerbacks Coach Rod West Describes WVU Football Mentality

WVU football fans were finally able to hear from one of the most important coaches on Rich Rodriguez’s staff on Wednesday. The Mountaineers offered a brief taste of what Rod West, West Virginia’s cornerbacks coach – the weakest position from 2024 – is all about when in a video released on social media.

First, West said he agreed to join the WVU program due to the chance to be part of Rodriguez’s staff and coach with defensive coordinator Zac Alley. He then described what he expects out of his players, a mentality that sounds a lot like the “hard edge” mantra.

“We want to play hard, play with a chip on our shoulder and out-play and out-compete the competition,” said West.

💬 @CoachRodWest

“We want to play hard, play with a chip on our shoulder and out-play and out-compete the competition.”@PanhandleCR pic.twitter.com/EHqusFmhYC

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) March 5, 2025

Before taking this opportunity with WVU, West was the cornerbacks coach at Appalachian State for the past four years. He also served as the defensive passing game coordinator since 2022.

“Rod has built a strong reputation as a quality secondary coach, especially developing cornerbacks,” Rodriguez said in a statement when announcing the addition of West on Jan. 8.

“He has had success at his different stops, coached several all-league and All-American corners and has shown an ability to recruit quality players. He is an outstanding addition to our coaching staff.”

Prior to Appalachian State, West spent three seasons on the coaching staff at Richmond holding several positions, including co-defensive coordinator. He had jobs at several lower-division schools after graduating from Alabama State in 2008.

Find more coverage of the WVU football program at WV Sports Now.

For a related story, will Rodney Gallagher also see time on defense again?