Rodriguez, who will replace Lloyd Carr, said that he is "disappointed" in the actions by the administration of his former institution. The West Virginia University Board of Governors recently sued Rodriguez for $4 million, the amount of a buyout stipulated in his contract.

"It's been difficult and it's been a little disappointing to be honest with you," Rodriguez said. "A lot of folks have been terrific. The players have been terrific. A lot of the big boosters and supporters have been terrific.

"But it's been a little disappointing with some of the things with the administration and some of the fans. The fans are just venting at times. But the scope of the animosity caught me a little bit off guard. But heck, I'm in a great place. I'm all right."

Rodriguez coached at West Virginia for seven years with an impressive record of 60-26. He said he learned about his lawsuit through media reports.

"I was obviously disappointed to read in the paper and see on the news I was getting sued," Rodriguez said. "That's not normal protocol, I didn't think. Imagine my shock watching the game at the hotel with my family and it comes across that ticker, getting sued for $4 million. That wasn't a good night."

Rodriguez, an innovator of the spread offense, helped Florida coach Urban Meyer introduce the spread at Bowling Green. Meyer also used the spread offense at Utah.