Richard Alan Rodriguez. "Richrod." The man’s name alone is enough to generate significant conversation amongst the Hokie faithful. This article is not meant, in any way shape or form, to advocate for or against the idea of Coach Rodriguez following Frank Beamer as the HC of the Virginia Tech Hokies football team. Instead, this piece will explore why Richrod is such a polarizing figure, and why he may, or may not, end up as VT’s next head coach of football.
First, let us take a look at the history of the man. Rodriguez grew up in Grant Town, West Virginia, and was an accomplished high school athlete.