MORGANTOWN, WV – July 6, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the collegiate football landscape, West Virginia University Senior Offensive Assistant Travis Trickett has reportedly turned down an astonishing $2 million offer from Big Ten powerhouse Penn State. The decision underscores Trickett’s profound loyalty to his alma mater and his deep-seated belief in the vision laid out by Head Coach Rich Rodriguez, a man he considers a mentor.
Sources close to the situation confirm that Penn State, in its aggressive pursuit of an offensive mind to revitalize its program, made a substantial multi-year offer to Trickett, one that would have significantly elevated his salary and profile. The reported $2 million figure would place him among the highest-paid assistant coaches in the nation, a testament to the high regard in which he is held across college football. Yet, Trickett, who only recently returned to Morgantown in January 2025, chose to remain a Mountaineer.
Trickett’s return to WVU this year as the Senior Offensive Assistant under Rich Rodriguez marked a significant homecoming. He began his coaching career as a student assistant for Rodriguez at West Virginia from 2003-2006, working closely with legendary quarterback Pat White. This latest stint in Morgantown is his second, having previously served as the inside receivers and tight ends coach from 2019-2021. Between his WVU tenures, Trickett gained valuable experience as an offensive coordinator at South Florida (2022) and Coastal Carolina (2023-2024), demonstrating his ability to lead and innovate offenses.
The allure of a $2 million contract and a prominent role at a program like Penn State would be irresistible for most coaches. The Nittany Lions, with their storied history, massive fan base, and deep pockets, offer a platform for national exposure and potential championship contention. For Trickett to reject such a lucrative proposition speaks volumes about his personal and professional priorities.
“You can’t put a price on coming back home and working with the coach who gave you your start,” Trickett said in an earlier interview upon his return to WVU, a sentiment that now rings even truer. His connection to West Virginia runs deep; not only is he an alumnus, but his father, Rick Trickett, coached for the Mountaineers, and his younger brother, Clint Trickett, played quarterback for the team. This familial and emotional tie to the program appears to be a far more powerful motivator than any financial incentive.
His current role at WVU, while not a play-calling offensive coordinator position, is uniquely tailored to his strengths and his relationship with Coach Rodriguez. As the Senior Offensive Assistant, Trickett essentially acts as Rodriguez’s right-hand man, overseeing the offensive operations, ensuring standards are met, and facilitating communication across the coaching staff. This allows Rodriguez, who serves as the primary offensive coordinator and play-caller, to rely on Trickett for vital organizational and evaluative support.
“Whatever he needs in whatever aspect, whether that’s on game day, whether it’s in prep, whether it’s in recruiting or personnel decisions and all that kind of stuff. Whatever he needs me to do to help assist him with that that’s what I’m going to do,” Trickett previously stated, highlighting his willingness to embrace a role that prioritizes collective success over individual recognition. This humble and team-first approach is a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.
Trickett’s coaching resume prior to his current WVU role is impressive. As an offensive coordinator, he has consistently improved units under his charge. At South Florida, despite facing numerous injuries and quarterback changes, he orchestrated significant improvements in total offense, rushing offense, scoring offense, and passing efficiency. At Coastal Carolina, his offenses were among the nation’s best in completion percentage and passing efficiency. His earlier stints at Samford, Florida Atlantic, and Georgia State also saw him implement successful offensive schemes and develop talented players.
The decision by Trickett to remain at West Virginia is a massive win for the Mountaineers. It solidifies Rodriguez’s coaching staff with an experienced, loyal, and highly respected assistant who understands the program’s culture and values. In an era where coaching staff continuity is increasingly vital for program stability and success, Trickett’s commitment sends a strong message to recruits, players, and the fan base.
While the exact details of how Penn State’s offer came about and the precise nature of the role they envisioned for Trickett remain under wraps, the fact that a coach would decline such a significant financial proposition is a rare occurrence in modern college football. It speaks to the unique bond between Travis Trickett and West Virginia, a bond that transcends mere monetary value. For Mountaineer Nation, it’s a clear indication that some things are truly priceless.
