BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary About W.V. Mountaineers Head Coach Rich Rodriguez — A Deep Dive Into the Life, Legacy, and Grit of College Football’s Greatest Coach, Slated for Global Release on July 18, 2025
In a groundbreaking announcement that has already sent shockwaves through the college football world, Netflix has officially revealed the release date for “The Underdog”—a powerful new documentary chronicling the life, legacy, and indomitable spirit of West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez. Set for a global premiere on July 18, 2025, the documentary promises to offer a raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring look into the journey of a man widely regarded as one of the greatest and most resilient coaches in the history of college football.
Produced by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Miles and backed by Netflix’s award-winning sports docuseries division, “The Underdog” will peel back the layers of Rodriguez’s career—from his humble beginnings in Grant Town, West Virginia, to his revolutionary offensive schemes that changed the game, to his unexpected return to Morgantown in 2024 and the cultural resurgence of Mountaineer football under his leadership.
A Story of Grit, Redemption, and Return
Rodriguez’s story is the embodiment of the American underdog. Long before he was a household name, he was just a kid from a coal mining town with dreams bigger than his circumstances. Known for his fierce work ethic, innovative mind, and relentless passion for the game, Rodriguez first captured national attention during his original stint as West Virginia’s head coach from 2001 to 2007. There, he introduced the now-iconic spread option offense, led the Mountaineers to three Big East championships, and built one of the most electrifying teams in college football.
But it wasn’t all triumphs. The documentary confronts the controversies and challenges that followed Rodriguez after his departure from WVU, including high-pressure jobs at Michigan and Arizona, where expectations were sky-high and results were mixed. Critics were loud. Doubts emerged. Yet Rodriguez never wavered. He remained, as the title suggests, the underdog—always fighting to prove he belonged among the sport’s elite minds.
His stunning return to West Virginia in December 2024, at the age of 61, marked one of the most emotional coaching homecomings in recent memory. Since his comeback, Rodriguez has reignited a dormant program, infused new life into Mountaineer Nation, and re-established a culture of toughness, creativity, and belief.
Exclusive Access and Emotional Moments
“The Underdog” includes exclusive interviews with Rich Rodriguez, his family, former and current players, coaching peers, and longtime friends. NFL stars like Pat White, Steve Slaton, and Geno Smith offer heartfelt testimonies about the coach who believed in them when few others did. Archival footage, behind-the-scenes access, and never-before-heard audio recordings from Rodriguez’s personal collection give viewers an intimate window into his psyche.
One particularly emotional segment features Rodriguez returning to his childhood home in Grant Town, standing outside the coal mine where his father once worked. In that moment, Rodriguez reflects on the roots of his relentless mentality: “It wasn’t about Xs and Os growing up—it was about survival, about outworking the odds.”
The film also delves into Rodriguez’s leadership during some of college football’s most defining moments—how he built walk-ons into All-Americans, how he navigated NCAA investigations with honesty and fire, and how he mentored countless players into not just elite athletes, but better men.
West Virginia at the Heart
For Mountaineer Nation, “The Underdog” is more than a documentary—it’s a love letter. The film beautifully captures the raw emotion, loyalty, and pride that defines the bond between West Virginia and its team. Fans will recognize familiar sights: a packed Milan Puskar Stadium under the lights, the “Country Roads” anthem echoing through the hills, and the defiant blue-collar spirit of a state that has long embraced being underestimated.
Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia has been painted as a redemption arc, but as the documentary reveals, it’s always been about unfinished business. The coach didn’t come back for accolades. He came back for legacy.
Netflix’s Boldest Sports Feature Yet
With “The Underdog,” Netflix is signaling its intention to dominate the sports documentary space in 2025. After previous successes with titles like “Quarterback”, “Last Chance U”, and “Untold”, the platform sees Rodriguez’s story as a once-in-a-generation narrative that transcends football.
“We’re not just telling the story of a football coach—we’re telling the story of a fighter, a visionary, a man who never stopped believing,” said Ava Miles, the documentary’s executive producer. “This is about grit, heart, family, and redemption. Coach Rod is the definition of a true underdog, and we knew his story needed to be told the right way.”
The project has already generated early awards buzz, with critics calling it “a masterclass in sports storytelling” and “the most emotionally charged sports documentary since The Last Dance.”
What to Expect on July 18
The global premiere of “The Underdog” on Netflix will be accompanied by a special online Q&A with Rodriguez and the film’s creative team. Early screening events are scheduled in Morgantown, New York City, and Los Angeles, with proceeds going toward a new NIL fund that Rodriguez helped launch in May to benefit West Virginia student-athletes.
In addition, the documentary’s release will coincide with the debut of a commemorative book and soundtrack inspired by the film, including original music from West Virginia native Brad Paisley and a spoken word intro from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
A Coach, A State, A Movement
As July 18 approaches, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. But for Rich Rodriguez, it’s never been about the spotlight. It’s about the work. The team. The state. The legacy.
“I’ve never seen myself as some genius,” Rodriguez says in the film’s trailer. “I just love the game, love these kids, and I love this state. That’s all I’ve ever needed.”
In “The Underdog”, that love takes center stage—raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
College football fans, prepare to be inspired
