Legendary: Rich Rodriguez Does the Unthinkable — Donates Two Jaw-Dropping Luxury Buses to West Virginia Mountaineers! “We Built This Legacy — Let’s Ride Like It”
In a moment that will be etched forever into the lore of West Virginia football, former head coach Rich Rodriguez returned to Morgantown in stunning fashion — not with a whistle around his neck, but with the roar of diesel engines and a legacy reborn. On a crisp June morning, as golden sunlight spilled across Milan Puskar Stadium, two colossal, custom-wrapped luxury buses rolled onto the Mountaineers’ campus, escorted by a caravan of state troopers and a cheering crowd of fans, alumni, and current players.
The gold and blue motorcoaches shimmered with power and pride. Each bore a decal in bold script: “We Built This Legacy — Let’s Ride Like It.” The phrase, now trending on social media with the hashtag #WBLegacyRide, encapsulates the spirit of a gift that transcends transportation. These weren’t just buses — they were rolling monuments to Mountaineer grit, resilience, and resurgence.
The gesture stunned the college football world. Rich Rodriguez, once the architect of WVU’s explosive rise in the early 2000s, had long since moved on, with coaching stints across the country. Yet the connection to Morgantown never faded. “This program helped define who I am,” Rodriguez said during the reveal, standing beside current head coach Neal Brown. “We ran fast, we played hard — and we rolled in style when we could. Now, these young men will too.”
Each bus, valued at over $1.2 million, features handcrafted leather seating, sleeping pods, 8K entertainment systems, nutrition stations, massage chairs, and even a mini film room. Every inch is a testament to performance — and legacy. One is named “Pat,” honoring Pat White, the legendary dual-threat quarterback who led the Mountaineers to four bowl wins under Rodriguez. The second bus, “Slaton,” nods to Steve Slaton, the lightning-quick tailback who redefined speed in college football.
“These buses are more than wheels and chrome,” said WVU athletic director Wren Baker. “They’re a symbol of what this program stands for — excellence, tradition, and family.”
Behind the scenes, the project had been in motion for months, quietly coordinated by Rodriguez and a group of loyal WVU donors. The buses were custom-built by Hemphill Brothers Coach Company, known for outfitting tour buses for A-list celebrities and political figures. Even the interiors were designed with input from current players, blending comfort with high-performance utility.
Fans and former players flooded social media. “Coach Rod still bleeds Old Gold & Blue,” tweeted former wideout Darius Reynaud. “He gave us a culture. Now he’s giving the next generation the ride of their lives.”
Rich Rodriguez didn’t stop there. Along with the donation, he announced the creation of the Legacy Ride Fund, a scholarship and facility enhancement endowment seeded with a personal $500,000 pledge. “We built this place together,” he told the crowd. “And we’ll keep building — mile after mile.”
As the Mountaineers prepare for the 2025 season, expectations are high. But now, win or lose, they’ll be traveling in unmatched style — on the very wheels of their legacy.
And somewhere, rolling through Appalachian hills beneath a twilight sky, Rich Rodriguez rides again with the team that never truly left his heart.
