West Virginia sues former football coach

Morgantown, W.Va.-- West Virginia University is suing former football coach Rich Rodriguez for $4 million, claiming a breach of contract.

The school said in its lawsuit, filed late Thursday by the school's Board of Governors, Rodriguez' contract was amended in August of this year, and was retroactive to December 2006.

The suit claimed he breached his contract by taking the job at Michigan Dec. 17 to replace the retiring Lloyd Carr and part of the amended contract said he would pay West Virginia University $4 million within two years of termination if the termination occurred after Aug. 31, 2007, and on or before Aug. 31, 2008.

During his tenure at West Virginia, Rodriguez went 60-26, recorded three consecutive 10-win seasons and made two BCS bowl trips. The Mountaineers were 3-8 in 2001, his first season at the Big East school.

It was the second time this year Michigan nabbed a West Virginia coach. West Virginia men's basketball coach John Beilein was hired away by Michigan in April.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.