Don Nehlen’s name will join the names of players who had their number retired, when his name will go up in Milan Puskar Stadium on Nov. 18 during WVU’s game against Cincinnati.
Nehlen is WVU’s all-time winningest coach, and led the Mountaineers to 13 bowl game appearances, 17 winning seasons and the 1993 Big East Conference title, and his 1988 and 1993 squads finished the regular season with undefeated records.
West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is immortalizing Nehlen, as they have developed criteria beyond the WVU Sports Hall of Fame and the Mountaineer Legends Society that if met, will honor its greatest coaches with the all-time legends who have had their numbers retired at West Virginia University.
“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,” current head coach Neal Brown said. “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 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.”
Current Director of Athletics Wren Baker said, “Coach Nehlen led our football program to one of the most successful eras in WVU athletics history, and he embodies everything it means to be a Mountaineer.”
“He was loyal to and invested in WVU and West Virginia. He cared deeply for his players, coaches and everyone associated with WVU. He led with integrity and class and continues to support this community and institution in every way imaginable. It is fitting he will join our all-time great football student-athletes inside Milan Puskar Stadium. We are very fortunate he was, is and always will be a Mountaineer.”
Nehlen finished his career with 202 victories, two Lambert Trophies, the 1993 Big East championship and at the time of his retirement, he was just one of 17 coaches to win 200 or more career games on the collegiate level. Nehlan is known for being the most successful football coach in West Virginia University football history.
Current West Virginia University President Gordon Gee added, “Don Nehlen’s many contributions to West Virginia University extend well beyond the field of play. He has made a positive and lasting impact in the lives of countless student-athletes, as well as colleagues and friends across the national intercollegiate athletics landscape. I can think of no better tribute to such a fine coach and exemplary person.”
Nehlen will be the first coach to have his name retired, joining six numbers that have been retired by WVU. Nehlen coached his first game on Sept. 6, 1980, against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Mountaineer Field, and he will be recognized in WVU’s home finale on Nov. 18 against Cincinnati.
Photo from Rick Stewart, Getty Images
