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Officially Announced
Zac Alley – Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator
Zac Alley was named West Virginia University’s assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach on December 29, 2024, by head coach Rich Rodriguez. Alley brings a wealth of defensive expertise, having worked with Rodriguez at multiple stops and earned recognition as one of the top young defensive coordinators in college football.
Alley joined WVU from Oklahoma, where he served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2024. Under his guidance, the Sooners’ defense ranked among the nation’s best, including No. 3 in defensive touchdowns, No. 5 in fumbles recovered, No. 10 in team tackles for loss, and No. 19 in total defense. Linebacker Danny Stutsman earned NCAA Consensus All-American honors, leading Oklahoma with 110 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
Prior to Oklahoma, Alley coordinated Jacksonville State’s defense for two seasons (2022-23), leading the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record in 2023, including a New Orleans Bowl victory. The 2023 defense ranked in the top 15 nationally in multiple categories, including opponent yards per rush (No. 4), tackles for loss yardage (No. 8), turnovers gained (No. 9), and rushing defense (No. 15). In his first season at Jax State, Alley’s defense helped secure a 9-2 record and the Atlantic Sun Conference championship.
In 2021, Alley became the youngest defensive coordinator in FBS at age 27 when he took over the defense at Louisiana-Monroe. Under his leadership, the Warhawks improved dramatically, highlighted by a jump from No. 125 to No. 69 nationally in rushing defense.
Alley’s coaching experience also includes two seasons (2019-20) at Boise State as co-special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach, where he helped the Broncos to a 17-4 record. FootballScoop.com recognized him as one of the special teams coordinators of the year in 2020.
From 2015-18, Alley served as a graduate assistant at Clemson, contributing to a dominant defensive unit during a stretch that included four ACC titles and two national championships (2016, 2018). He also gained NFL experience as a defensive coaching intern with the Carolina Panthers in 2017.
A Clemson graduate, Alley earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in 2014 and his master’s degree in human resource development in 2017.
Chad Scott – Running Backs
Chad Scott enters his sixth year at West Virginia and second as offensive coordinator, having built one of the nation’s top rushing offenses. In 2023, the Mountaineers led all Power 5 schools with 2,976 rushing yards, averaging 245.7 yards per game in Big 12 play and scoring 24 rushing touchdowns. WVU also holds the longest streak among Power 5 teams with 16 consecutive games of 140+ rushing yards.
Scott has coached standout players, including freshman All-American Jahiem White, who led the Big 12 with 7.7 yards per carry, and quarterback Garrett Greene, who tied for the national lead in quarterback rushing touchdowns (13). His running back corps has consistently produced elite results, with players like CJ Donaldson Jr. and Leddie Brown achieving All-Big 12 honors.
Previously, Scott coached at North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas Tech, and Troy, consistently elevating rushing attacks and developing NFL talent like DuJuan Harris and Baron Batch. A former first-team All-ACC running back at North Carolina, Scott brings deep experience, proven results, and a relentless focus on building elite run games.
Scott could also be a candidate to coach the Mountaineer running backs.
Chad Scott enters his sixth year at West Virginia and second as offensive coordinator, having built one of the nation’s top rushing offenses. In 2023, the Mountaineers led all Power 5 schools with 2,976 rushing yards, averaging 245.7 yards per game in Big 12 play and scoring 24 rushing touchdowns. WVU also holds the longest streak among Power 5 teams with 16 consecutive games of 140+ rushing yards.
Scott has coached standout players, including freshman All-American Jahiem White, who led the Big 12 with 7.7 yards per carry, and quarterback Garrett Greene, who tied for the national lead in quarterback rushing touchdowns (13). His running back corps has consistently produced elite results, with players like CJ Donaldson Jr. and Leddie Brown achieving All-Big 12 honors.
Previously, Scott coached at North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas Tech, and Troy, consistently elevating rushing attacks and developing NFL talent like DuJuan Harris and Baron Batch. A former first-team All-ACC running back at North Carolina, Scott brings deep experience, proven results, and a relentless focus on building elite run games.
Blaine Stewart – Inside Receivers
In his second year as West Virginia’s tight ends coach, Blaine Stewart has made an immediate impact. In 2023, tight end Kole Taylor earned All-Big 12 Second-Team honors, leading the Mountaineers in receptions and tying for first in receiving touchdowns. Taylor became the first WVU tight end since 1991 to lead the team in receptions, recording 444 yards on 35 catches.
Before joining WVU, Stewart spent five years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including three as assistant wide receivers coach. He worked with Pro Bowl receivers Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Diontae Johnson, contributing to an AFC North title in 2020. A rising star in coaching, Stewart also served as a coaching assistant on Mike Tomlin’s staff, developing talent like Chase Claypool, who led all NFL rookies in touchdown catches in 2020.
A Morgantown native and former collegiate wide receiver, Stewart brings NFL experience, a history of player development, and a deep connection to the WVU program as the son of former head coach Bill Stewart.
Open Positions
Offensive Coordinator
Travis Trickett – (Most Recent Position) Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach, Coastal Carolina
Travis Trickett joined Coastal Carolina in December 2022 as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. In his first season, the Chanticleers ranked 19th nationally in completion percentage, 23rd in team passing efficiency, and 24th in sacks allowed. Coastal completed 273 passes, the second-most in program history, while wide receiver Sam Pinckney set the school's single-season receptions record (72) and became the Sun Belt's all-time leader in receiving yards.
Trickett brings nine seasons of offensive coordinator experience, including prior stints at South Florida (2022), Georgia State (2017-18), Florida Atlantic (2016), and Samford (2012-15). At South Florida, he guided an offense that saw improvements in total offense, rushing yards, scoring, and explosive plays. At Georgia State, his offense set multiple school records, including the fewest interceptions in a season and the most total yards in a game.
Trickett’s coaching résumé also includes roles at West Virginia (2019-21), where he coached All-Big 12 performers Winston Wright Jr. and Mike O’Laughlin, and Samford, where he developed record-setting quarterback Andy Summerlin. His early career featured graduate assistantships under Nick Saban at Alabama and Bobby Bowden at Florida State.
Kirk Campbell - Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Coach, Michigan
Kirk Campbell was in his third season with Michigan Football in 2024, serving as the Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator and Robert McCollum Family Quarterbacks Coach. Previously, Campbell spent the 2023 season as Michigan’s quarterbacks coach and 2022 as an offensive analyst.
In 2023, Campbell guided quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a record-setting season, including program bests in completion percentage (72.3%) and interception percentage (1.20%). McCarthy threw for 22 touchdowns and came within nine yards of a 3,000-yard season. Under Campbell’s leadership, Michigan’s offense averaged 35.9 points per game (14th nationally), with three pass-catchers surpassing 45 receptions and 600 yards. The Wolverines won the Big Ten Championship and claimed the National Title, while McCarthy earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and became the program's first Griese-Brees Big Ten Quarterback of the Year awardee.
Before Michigan, Campbell spent two seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Old Dominion (2020-2021). He helped the Monarchs improve significantly, with the 2021 team averaging 28.5 points and 385.4 yards per game. ODU’s offense surged late in the season, averaging 36 points per game during a five-game win streak to close the regular season.
From 2017 to 2019, Campbell served as an offensive analyst at Penn State, where he worked with quarterbacks, scouted opponents, and contributed to game planning. The Nittany Lions averaged 36.8 points per game during this period, achieving three of the top-10 seasons in program history for points and yards. Campbell served as interim quarterbacks coach during Penn State’s 2019 Cotton Bowl victory over Memphis.
Campbell began his coaching career at West Virginia Wesleyan as a graduate assistant (2009-2010) before stints at Tiffin University (2011) and Alderson Broaddus (2012-2016). At Alderson Broaddus, he served as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, helping establish the startup program and leading the team to a 9-2 record and a GMAC Championship in its fourth season.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Campbell earned his bachelor’s degree in communications from Mercyhurst University in 2008 and a master’s degree in business administration from Tiffin University in 2012.
Offensive Line
Jack Bicknell Jr. - Offensive Line Coach
Bicknell is expected to be West Virginia's offensive line coach.
Jack Bicknell brings over 35 years of coaching experience at the NFL and collegiate levels. Bicknell joined Wisconsin in January 2023 after serving as the offensive line coach at North Carolina in 2022, where he worked alongside offensive coordinator Phil Longo.
At North Carolina, Bicknell's offensive line helped the Tar Heels rank second in the ACC in total offense (473.6 yards per game) and secure a 9-4 record, including an appearance in the ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl. Center Corey Gaynor earned All-ACC honorable mention under his tutelage.
Bicknell has held numerous prominent coaching roles throughout his career, including stints at Louisville, Auburn, Ole Miss, and several NFL teams. At Louisville in 2021, his offensive line propelled the Cardinals to a top-25 national ranking in both rushing offense and total offense while leading the ACC in fewest sacks allowed. His work at Ole Miss included developing elite linemen such as Greg Little, a first-team All-SEC selection and second-round NFL Draft pick.
In the NFL, Bicknell coached offensive lines for the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants. Notably, he was part of the Giants’ coaching staff that captured a Super Bowl title in 2011.
Bicknell’s collegiate head coaching experience includes eight seasons at Louisiana Tech (1999-2006), where he led the Bulldogs to a WAC Championship and earned WAC Coach of the Year honors in 2001.
A former center at Boston College, Bicknell played for his father, Jack Bicknell Sr., and famously snapped the ball on Doug Flutie's iconic "Hail Mary" pass to defeat Miami in 1984. His coaching journey began at Boston College as a graduate assistant and has included positions at New Hampshire, Louisiana Tech, and Boston College.
Derek Dressler - Assistant Offensive Line Coach/Offensive Analyst
Dressler will work with Bicknell as his offensive line assistant
Derek Dressler is in his first season as the assistant offensive line coach and offensive analyst at Jacksonville State, bringing experience as both a coach and former standout offensive lineman.
Before joining the Gamecocks, Dressler served as the offensive line coach at Concord University (D-II) in West Virginia, where he developed a strong foundation for coaching the offensive front.
A native of Covington, Va., Dressler graduated from Concord University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management. As a player, he started 40 consecutive games on the offensive line for the Mountain Lions, earning First Team All-Mountain East Conference (MEC) and Don Hansen All-Region honors during his career.
Quarterbacks
Rhett Rodriguez - Offensive Analyst, Jacksonville State
Rhett Rodriguez, a former college quarterback with playing and coaching experience, mostly recently served as an offensive analyst at Jacksonville State under his father, head coach Rich Rodriguez.
Rodriguez began his playing career at Arizona (2017-2020), where he appeared in 11 games over four seasons, primarily as a backup quarterback. He transferred to Louisiana Monroe in 2021, reuniting with his father, who was the Warhawks’ offensive coordinator. Despite suffering a punctured lung that sidelined him for six games, Rodriguez started five games for ULM, completing 70-of-137 passes for 799 yards and four touchdowns while guiding the Warhawks to an upset victory over Troy.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s in entrepreneurship from Arizona, Rodriguez transitioned into coaching after a short time out of the game. He joined Jacksonville State in 2024, assisting with quarterback development and in-game communication during the Gamecocks' games.
Rodriguez’s unique experience as both a player and coach, along with his knowledge of his father’s offensive system, provides valuable insight to Jacksonville State’s staff.
Defensive Line
William Green – Defensive Line Coach, Jax State
Green is expected to be hired and will be announced soon.
Rich Rodriguez added a familiar face to the JSU coaching staff by hiring William Green, who previously coached at Jacksonville State and alongside Rodriguez at ULM.
Green returns to JSU after helping guide ULM’s defense in 2020, where his defensive line significantly improved the team’s rushing defense, moving 56 spots up the FBS national rankings. His unit was particularly effective on fourth downs, holding opponents to a .353 success rate, the eighth-best mark nationally.
Before ULM, Green served as JSU’s defensive line coach and run game coordinator from 2017-2020. During his tenure, the Gamecocks posted a 28-13 record, secured two consecutive Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) titles, and advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs in 2017 and 2018.
In his first season at JSU, Green's defensive line helped the Gamecocks rank among the nation’s elite, finishing second in total defense, third in rushing defense, and sixth in scoring defense. The front line excelled in tackles for loss, ranking eighth nationally and leading the OVC. Defensive lineman Randy Robinson earned All-OVC honors, and the Gamecocks finished 10-2 with a perfect 8-0 record in conference play.
In 2018, Robinson earned All-America honors alongside fellow lineman Connor Christian, as JSU led the OVC in tackles for loss and ranked seventh nationally. The Gamecocks also finished second in FCS in third-down conversion defense and clinched their fifth consecutive OVC title.
Green’s coaching journey began at JSU as a graduate assistant from 2014-2015 before returning to his alma mater, Florida, as a graduate assistant in 2016.
As a player, Green appeared in 53 games for Florida from 2008-2011, contributing 53 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was part of the Gators’ 2008 National Championship team and recorded a career-high 21 tackles during his senior season.
A standout at Spain Park High School in Hoover, Alabama, Green earned All-American and first-team all-state honors. He was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Super 12 Team after leading Spain Park to a Class 6A runner-up finish in 2007.
Following his college career, Green attended training camp with the Cleveland Browns and played in the Arena Football League before transitioning into coaching.
Tight Ends
Michael Nysewander – Tight Ends and Inside Receivers Coach, Jax State
Nysewander has announced he will be joining the WVU staff. More info here
Michael Nysewander is in his second season as the Tight Ends and Inside Receivers Coach on Rich Rodriguez’s staff at Jacksonville State.
Nysewander made an immediate impact in his first season with the Gamecocks in 2023, helping guide the team to a historic 9-4 record in its first year at the FBS level, capped off by a victory in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Tight end Sean Brown was a standout under Nysewander’s guidance, earning Second-Team All-Conference USA honors and a spot on the John Mackey Award watch list. Brown excelled as both a blocker in Jax State’s prolific rushing attack and a receiver, hauling in 19 passes with five touchdowns.
Nysewander joined the Gamecocks after spending three seasons at Ole Miss, where he served as Senior Analyst under head coach Lane Kiffin. During his time with the Rebels, the program appeared in three bowl games, including the Sugar Bowl in 2021, when Ole Miss posted a 10-win season.
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Nysewander is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in communication studies. As an H-Back and Tight End for the Crimson Tide, he was part of three National Championship teams and multiple SEC Championship squads under Nick Saban. Lane Kiffin served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator during Nysewander’s time there (2014-16).
Nicknamed “Highway 46” for his ability to create running lanes for backs like Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, Nysewander was known for his relentless work ethic and team-first mentality. After college, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie free agent.
Nysewander began his coaching career at Samford as the Bulldogs’ running backs coach before joining Kiffin’s staff at Florida Atlantic in 2017. He later followed Kiffin to Ole Miss, continuing his ascent in the coaching ranks.
Nysewander’s combination of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels of college football has made him a valuable asset to the Gamecocks’ staff as they continue to build on their success.
Wide Receivers
Ryan Garrett – Offensive Assistant Coach, Jacksonville State
Garrett is expected to join the West Virginia staff, though his role has not yet been determined but he may share the wide receiver duties with Stewart.
Ryan Garrett joined Rich Rodriguez’s staff at Jacksonville State as an offensive assistant coach, continuing a relationship that began during their time at ULM in 2021. At ULM, Garrett served as a graduate assistant, helping the Warhawks achieve a four-win improvement and reestablish competitiveness in the Sun Belt Conference.
Prior to ULM, Garrett was the pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach at West Virginia State in 2020, though the season was cut short due to COVID-19. He began his coaching career at Ole Miss, working as a student assistant and later as an offensive graduate assistant under Rodriguez in 2019. That season, Ole Miss ranked third in the SEC in total offense, averaging 445.3 yards per game.
Garrett brings experience across multiple levels of football, with a focus on offensive development and quarterback play.
Defensive Secondary
Jeremiah Johnson – Defensive Coordinator, Louisiana Tech
Jeremiah Johnson is a proven defensive mind with extensive experience at both the FCS and FBS levels. After joining Louisiana Tech in December 2023, he brought an impressive resume from Northern Iowa, where he served as defensive coordinator for a total of 10 seasons, leading his unit to rank in the FCS top 10 across 29 different statistical categories.
During his tenure at UNI, Johnson coached five MVFC Defensive Players of the Year and a Buck Buchanan Award winner while producing numerous professional players, including Miami Dolphins’ Elijah Campbell and Las Vegas Raiders’ Elerson Smith. His 2019 defense was especially dominant, ranking top 10 nationally in turnovers gained, scoring defense, and total defense, propelling UNI to the FCS quarterfinals.
Known for his ability to generate turnovers and build elite rushing defenses, Johnson’s teams consistently excel in efficiency metrics, including red zone and third-down defense. His innovative approach and track record of developing players make him a potential candidate for the Defensive Coordinator role under Rich Rodriguez.
Keelon Brookins – Cornerbacks Coach, Louisiana Tech
Keelon Brookins was named cornerbacks coach at Louisiana Tech on December 8, joining head coach Sonny Cumbie’s staff. Brookins previously coached alongside defensive coordinator Jeremiah Johnson at Northern Iowa (2018-21, 2023) and Kent State (2022).
In 2023, Brookins’ defensive backs at UNI combined for seven interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 301 tackles, with Woo Governor earning First-Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. At Kent State in 2022, he coached All-MAC defensive back Nico Bolden, who led the team with 103 tackles and ranked ninth nationally in solo tackles per game.
During his first stint at Northern Iowa, Brookins helped develop nine all-conference defensive backs and contributed to three FCS Playoff appearances, including a 2019 trip to the quarterfinals. His defensive units consistently ranked among the nation’s best in interceptions, scoring defense, and defensive touchdowns.
A former defensive back, Brookins played at Wisconsin before transferring to UNI, where he earned MVFC All-Newcomer honors in 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Wisconsin and a master’s degree from Northern Iowa.
Jeff Burris – Passing Game Coordinator / Safeties Coach, Louisiana Tech
Jeff Burris, a first-round NFL Draft pick and former All-American safety at Notre Dame, returns to Louisiana Tech as the passing game coordinator and safeties coach for the 2024 season. Burris previously coached at Louisiana Tech from 2018-20, where he helped guide the Bulldogs to three consecutive bowl appearances and mentored standout defensive backs L’Jarius Sneed and Amik Robertson, both NFL Draft selections in 2020.
Most recently, Burris spent three seasons at Louisiana-Lafayette, where his cornerbacks were integral to the team’s success. In 2023, the Ragin’ Cajuns ranked 21st nationally in interceptions (13), and in 2021, his unit contributed to a Sun Belt Conference Championship and a defense that ranked 11th in scoring defense (18.5 points per game).
Burris also brings three years of NFL coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins (2013-15), where he assisted a defensive backfield that finished sixth in passing defense in 2014 and developed Pro Bowl talents such as Brent Grimes.
A 10-year NFL veteran, Burris played cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals, earning All-Rookie honors in 1994. He began his coaching career in 2007 and has since held roles at UMass, Northern Iowa, and Notre Dame, where he served as a defensive analyst.
Terry Jefferson – Cornerbacks Coach, Jacksonville State
Terry Jefferson enters his second season on Rich Rodriguez’s staff at Jacksonville State as the cornerbacks coach. In 2023, Jefferson’s unit allowed the second-fewest passing touchdowns in Conference USA and ranked second in interceptions (16). He coached Derek Carter to a Second-Team All-Conference USA selection, with Carter leading the team and finishing third in the league with eight pass breakups. The Gamecocks finished 9-4, capping the season with a win in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl.
Jefferson joined Jacksonville State after over three years at the University of Miami, where he worked with defensive backs and contributed to recruiting and football operations. As a player at Florida A&M, Jefferson was a three-time All-MEAC selection and an All-American, amassing 217 tackles and leading the Rattlers in interceptions in 2016 and 2017.
Brandon Napoleon – Safeties Coach, Jacksonville State
Brandon Napoleon joins Rich Rodriguez’s Jacksonville State staff as safeties coach for the 2024 season. Napoleon spent 2023 at Rhode Island, where he coached a defensive backs unit that included CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year and FCS Freshman All-American Syeed Gibbs, as well as All-CAA safety Brent Jackson.
Before Rhode Island, Napoleon served as cornerbacks coach at Sacred Heart in 2022, where his unit ranked fourth nationally in FCS pass defense and featured All-NEC corner Arsheen Jiles. He has also held coaching roles at Buffalo, Kutztown, Geneva, Midwestern State, and Susquehanna, where he coached two-time All-American Daniel Shelton and helped the River Hawks to a 10-1 record in 2019.
A native of Rahway, N.J., Napoleon began his playing career at West Virginia before finishing at Kansas Wesleyan, where he earned a degree in communications in 2018. His father, Eugene Napoleon, rushed for 1,001 yards in a three-year career with the Mountaineers from 1987-89. He was a member of WVU's 11-1 squad which fell to national champion Notre Dame in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl.
Special Teams
Pat Kirkland – Special Teams Coordinator / Bandits Coach, Jacksonville State
Kirkland is returning to West Virginia but his title has not been determined.
Pat Kirkland enters his second season as Jacksonville State’s special teams coordinator and Bandits coach under Rich Rodriguez. In 2023, his units excelled, with punter Jack Dawson earning honorable mention All-CUSA honors, averaging 42.3 yards per punt and placing 23 inside the 20-yard line. On defense, the Bandits group led Conference USA in sacks, contributing 39 sacks for 291 lost yards.
In 2022, Kirkland’s first season, the Gamecocks finished 9-2 and claimed the ASUN Conference Championship with his Bandits unit leading the country in fumbles recovered. The special teams ranked in the top 10 nationally in net punting, kickoff returns, and blocked punts, with kicker Alen Karajic breaking school scoring records.
Kirkland previously spent a decade as head coach at the University of Charleston (W.Va.), amassing a 70-41 record and leading the Golden Eagles to six runner-up finishes in the Mountain East Conference. His 2015 team went 10-1, earning a No. 15 national ranking and an NCAA Division II Playoff berth.
Before Charleston, Kirkland worked at West Virginia under Rodriguez, coaching on both sides of the ball and serving as Director of Recruiting. His time at Glenville State and Muskingum University further solidified his reputation as a defensive strategist and player developer.
Eric Mele - Special Teams Coordinator / Offensive Analyst, UNC
Eric Mele joined North Carolina in 2024 as an offensive analyst, bringing over two decades of coaching experience, including successful stints as a special teams coordinator and running backs coach at the FBS level.
Mele spent four seasons at Mississippi State (2020-2023), serving as special teams coordinator in his final two seasons. In 2022, his special teams units earned national recognition, ranking No. 1 by PFF, No. 4 by Football Outsiders, and No. 12 by ESPN. Under his guidance, return specialists Lideatrick Griffin and Zavion Thomas received All-America honors, with Griffin leading the nation in kickoff return average (32.26).
From 2020-2021, Mele coached Mississippi State’s running backs, mentoring SEC leaders Jo’quavious Marks and Dillon Johnson in receptions and receiving yards among running backs. Marks tied the national lead among freshmen with 60 receptions in 2020, setting single-season records at MSU for receptions by both freshmen and running backs.
Before joining Mississippi State, Mele spent nine seasons at Washington State (2012-2019), where he served as special teams coordinator (2015-2017) and later as running backs coach (2018-2019). His running backs, including All-Pac-12 honoree Max Borghi, were among the nation’s most prolific pass-catchers, leading the FBS in receptions by running backs multiple times. As special teams coordinator, Mele’s units ranked among the nation’s best in punt return and kickoff return efficiency.
Earlier in his career, Mele coached at Wingate University (2007-2011) as special teams coordinator and running backs coach, guiding the Bulldogs to a playoff berth in 2010. He also held coaching positions at Saint Peter’s College (2006), Marist High School (2005), and William Paterson University (2003-2004).
Mele earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from William Paterson in 2002 and a master’s degree in sports management from the American Military University in 2007.
To Be Determined
Jeff Casteel - Defensive Analyst and Director of High School Relations
Casteel is returning to West Virginia as a defensive staff member.
Jeff Casteel served as a defensive analyst for the West Virginia Mountaineers starting in March 2020, adding the title of director of high school relations in June 2022. With 34 years of defensive coaching experience, including 27 as a defensive coordinator, Casteel has contributed to 14 conference championships and 15 bowl appearances during his career.
Casteel has been recognized for his expertise in defensive coaching, earning accolades such as Rivals Defensive Coordinator of the Year (2007), Big East Defensive Coordinator of the Year (2008), and Football Scoop Linebacker Coach of the Year (2014). He has been a five-time Broyles Award nominee and has coached numerous All-Americans and professional players.
During his first tenure at West Virginia (2001-2011), Casteel led a defense that helped the Mountaineers achieve unprecedented success, including victories in three BCS bowl games—the 2006 Sugar Bowl, 2008 Fiesta Bowl, and 2012 Orange Bowl. Under his guidance, WVU claimed six Big East Conference titles, with the defense consistently ranking among the nation’s best, including No. 3 in total defense in 2010.
Casteel's coaching journey includes time as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Nevada (2017-2019), where he led a significant defensive turnaround, and at Arizona (2012-2016), helping the Wildcats capture the 2014 Pac-12 South Championship and setting a school record for wins over a four-year span. He also spent a season at UTEP as the defensive ends coach (2000).
Earlier in his career, Casteel spent over a decade at Shepherd University (1988-2000), where he served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. He began his coaching career at California University of Pennsylvania as a graduate assistant (1984-86) and also held the role of defensive coordinator at Palmetto High School in Florida.
Casteel’s career includes mentoring four All-Americans, three Academic All-Americans, nine all-conference honorees, and 23 players who went on to professional careers.
Casteel earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California University of Pennsylvania.
Football Operations and Support Staff
While much of the focus remains on on-field coaching hires, building a strong football operations team and support staff is just as critical. This includes positions and roles like Director of Football Operations, analysts, and strength staff.
*Currently working at WVU, though not yet officially announced
+Has accepted a position at WVU
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