Former WVU Football Coach To Be Honored

Oct 25, 2023

MORGANTOWN, WV—It has been reported that the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will be honoring former head football coach Don Nehlen. They plan to immortalize the legendary Hall Of Fame coach in Milan Puskar Stadium. His name will join the all-time greats on the Diversified Energy Terrace during the Cincinnati game on November 18. Ironically it was Don Nehlen’s first game as Mountaineer head coach back in 1980 against the Cincinnati Bearcats. It was also the first game at the new Mountaineer Field. John Denver christened the new stadium when he performed Country Roads during the pre-game festivities before the game. West Virginia went on to win that game.

Nehlen is credited as the winningest football coach in WVU history. He served from 1980 to 2000 with a record of 149-93-4. He guided his WVU teams to 13 bowls, 17 winning seasons and the 1993 Big East Conference title. His 1988 and 1993 squad finished the regular season with undefeated records. He coached 15 first-team All Americans, 28 total All Americans, 82 All Big East Conference Honorees, and 80 NFL players from 1980 to 2000. He was recognized with three national coaching awards.

“I am so happy that this honor is being bestowed on Coach Nehlen, and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for this football program since his arrival in 1980”, said WVU coach Neal Brown. “Everything this program has today was either built by or the foundation was laid by Coach Nehlen and the success he brought to this program and the University. He has been very supportive and helpful to me in my time at WVU, and I have really enjoyed getting to know one of the game’s legendary coaches. Whenever you walk into the stadium, you will forever see his name with the all-time Mountaineer greats, and that’s where it deserves to be.” Brown added.

He was just one of 17 coaches to win 200 or more career games on the collegiate level. Coach Nehlen, we thank you for your dedication to Mountaineer Athletics and the state of West Virginia. You made us proud sir and we are forever grateful for your service to West Virginia University.