BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog” – A Riveting Deep Dive into the Life and Legacy of Coach Rich Rodriguez
In a landmark moment for college football fans and documentary lovers alike, Netflix has officially announced the release of “The Underdog,” a powerful, emotionally charged documentary chronicling the remarkable career and complex legacy of West Virginia Mountaineers head coach, Rich Rodriguez. Slated for global streaming on July 18, 2025, this 90-minute feature promises a never-before-seen look into the grit, passion, and turbulence behind one of college football’s most polarizing and influential figures.
Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava Lorenz and produced by the acclaimed sports media house Iron Yard Studios, The Underdog is already generating buzz across social media and sports networks, with its trailer hinting at a raw and revealing narrative. The documentary blends archival footage, exclusive interviews, and cinematic reenactments to explore the meteoric rise, dramatic controversies, and personal resilience of Coach Rodriguez, often referred to by fans as “Coach Rod.”
Rich Rodriguez, who began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater before ascending to national prominence, is widely credited for revolutionizing modern college football with his up-tempo spread offense. Under his leadership, the West Virginia Mountaineers reached unprecedented heights, including three Big East titles and a near-championship run in 2007 that still evokes passionate debate among fans.
But The Underdog goes far beyond the X’s and O’s. It delves into the emotional cost of ambition, the intense scrutiny of high-stakes athletics, and Rodriguez’s controversial departure from West Virginia to Michigan in 2008—a move that divided a fan base and forever altered his public image. Through candid interviews with former players like Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Noel Devine, as well as rival coaches and sports journalists, the documentary offers a nuanced portrayal of a man simultaneously revered and reviled.
The film also shines a spotlight on Rodriguez’s redemption arc, following his time at Arizona, his abrupt firing, and his return to coaching with a vengeance. With intimate access to Rodriguez’s inner circle, including family members and former colleagues, The Underdog lays bare the human side of a man long defined by headlines and highlight reels.
Critics who previewed the film at a private screening in Austin earlier this month described it as “visceral,” “balanced,” and “utterly engrossing.” It doesn’t shy away from Rodriguez’s flaws, but it also reveals a coach who, through victories and defeats, never lost the essence of what made him a football icon: relentless drive, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering belief in his players.
With Netflix’s global platform and a compelling, character-driven story, The Underdog is poised to redefine how sports documentaries capture the soul of their subjects. Football fan or not, this is one release you won’t want to miss.
Watch the official trailer now via the link and mark your calendars—The Underdog drops July 18, 2025.
