Longtime college football coach Rich Rodriguez has purchased a $39 million luxury ranch in Georgia, according to multiple sources close to the family. The former West Virginia and Arizona head coach, who most recently served in a consulting role, revealed that this major acquisition marks the beginning of his long-envisioned transition into post-football life. The sprawling property reportedly includes several lakes, wooded areas, and open plains — a paradise for those with a passion for the outdoors.
Rodriguez, who coached the Mountaineers from 2001 to 2007 and led the team to three Big East titles, shared his excitement about the next chapter. “I’ve always dreamed of a place where my family and I could enjoy life on our own terms — whether that’s wakesurfing, hunting, or building something fun like a racetrack. This ranch is everything I wanted and more,” he said in a statement. The coach also noted that the property will be a gathering spot for his children and grandchildren, a place to bond, relax, and continue building memories away from the gridiron.
The 3,000-acre ranch is outfitted with multiple luxury lodges, guest houses, a private airstrip, and miles of ATV and equestrian trails. It also includes several fully stocked lakes for fishing and water sports. Rodriguez emphasized his passion for wakesurfing, a hobby he picked up while coaching in Arizona, and is already having a custom boat dock and wave generator installed. “I’m not one to sit still for long, even in retirement,” he joked, “so I wanted a place where I could stay active and keep that competitive spirit alive in a different way.”
Notably, Rodriguez is also planning to construct a private motorsports racetrack on the property — a long-held ambition for the avid car enthusiast. He said the track will be built with input from professional designers and will feature areas for both dirt and asphalt racing. “I love speed, I love competition. Building this track is like designing a playbook, just on four wheels instead of eleven men,” he said with a grin. Plans are also in the works for a hunting lodge and outfitter cabin to host friends and family for seasonal excursions.
While Rich Rodriguez hasn’t fully shut the door on future involvement in football, sources close to him say the ranch purchase is a clear indication that he’s embracing a new chapter of life. He has hinted at the possibility of hosting offseason retreats and leadership camps for young athletes at the ranch, blending his passion for coaching with the tranquility of country life. “Football will always be part of who I am,” he admitted, “but I want to live intentionally now — outdoors, with my loved ones, doing things we love together.”
Rodriguez’s move follows a growing trend among high-profile coaches and athletes who are investing in luxury rural properties as a lifestyle transition after intense sports careers. With decades of football behind him, a national reputation, and a rugged new frontier ahead, Rich Rodriguez appears ready to trade sidelines for sunrises — and whistles for wakes.
