W.V.M IMMORTALIZED GREATEST OF ALL TIME: The W.V. Mountaineers Are Set to Immortalize the Greatest Player of All Time and Hall of Famer Don Nehlen, Honoring His Legacy and Impact on Generations
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Few figures in the storied history of West Virginia Mountaineers football loom as large as Don Nehlen. Revered by fans, respected by peers, and remembered by generations of players he coached, Nehlen’s name is etched into the soul of Mountaineer Nation. Now, West Virginia University is ensuring that his legacy lives forever. The school has announced it will immortalize the Hall of Fame coach and program-defining icon in a historic tribute this fall, cementing his status as the Greatest of All Time in Mountaineer football history.
The ceremony, scheduled to take place at Milan Puskar Stadium during a primetime home game, will feature the unveiling of a bronze statue of Nehlen, the renaming of the stadium’s home locker room in his honor, and a commemorative halftime tribute attended by some of the biggest names in Mountaineer athletics.
A Monumental Legacy
Don Nehlen served as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1980 to 2000, compiling a record of 149–93–4 over 21 seasons. More than just numbers, Nehlen brought a standard of excellence, integrity, and class that transformed WVU into a national contender and established a cultural identity that persists today.
Under Nehlen’s leadership, the Mountaineers made 13 bowl appearances and posted two undefeated regular seasons, including the legendary 1988 squad that reached the National Championship Game against Notre Dame. His teams were known for their grit, discipline, and blue-collar mentality — a perfect reflection of the West Virginia spirit.
“Don Nehlen didn’t just coach football. He built a culture, a belief system, and a tradition that has withstood the test of time,” said WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker. “This honor is not only fitting — it’s long overdue.”
The Heart of a Coach, the Soul of a State
Born in Canton, Ohio — the birthplace of football’s Hall of Fame — Nehlen brought Midwestern resolve and Appalachian authenticity to Morgantown. From his first season, fans quickly recognized that he wasn’t just another coach; he was a visionary.
Known for his meticulous preparation and motivational acumen, Nehlen mentored countless players who went on to the NFL, including Jeff Hostetler, Major Harris, Darryl Talley, and Marc Bulger. But even more importantly, he shaped young men into leaders off the field. He preached the value of education, community service, and loyalty.
Former quarterback and WVU legend Major Harris reflected on Nehlen’s lasting influence. “He taught us more than how to read defenses. He taught us how to carry ourselves as men. That’s what made him the greatest.”
A Hall of Famer’s Accolades
Don Nehlen’s coaching excellence was recognized nationally when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. He was also the first WVU coach to win the prestigious Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award in 1988 and served as president of the American Football Coaches Association.
Despite receiving offers from larger programs and professional opportunities, Nehlen remained loyal to West Virginia — a loyalty that fans never forgot.
“To this day, you walk down High Street or step into a tailgate on a fall Saturday, and you’ll hear someone talk about Nehlen like he’s family,” said former WVU lineman and broadcaster Dale Wolfley. “He is West Virginia.”
Honoring the G.O.A.T.
The celebration this fall will be more than a tribute — it will be a rallying cry for a program forever indebted to its foundational figure.
The life-sized bronze statue of Nehlen will be placed just outside the player tunnel at Milan Puskar Stadium, ensuring that every Mountaineer who takes the field remembers who paved the way. The locker room renaming will include plaques inscribed with some of Nehlen’s most inspirational quotes, as well as a display honoring his greatest teams.
“This is about legacy. It’s about reminding everyone, from players to fans to recruits, what it means to be a Mountaineer,” said head coach Neal Brown. “Coach Nehlen represents the best of us.”
Several of Nehlen’s former players, now coaches themselves, are expected to return for the ceremony. Rumors are circulating that Jeff Hostetler, Major Harris, and even NFL Hall of Famer Darryl Talley will deliver tribute speeches during the halftime ceremony.
The university is also coordinating a weeklong series of community events leading up to the game, including youth football clinics, film screenings of the 1988 and 1993 seasons, and a gala dinner fundraiser benefiting student-athlete scholarships in Nehlen’s name.
A Timeless Influence
Even in retirement, Nehlen remained a fixture in Morgantown and a constant supporter of the program. He frequently appeared at practices, booster events, and in the press box, always ready with a story, a smile, and an encouraging word.
In a recent interview, the now 89-year-old Nehlen responded humbly to the news of the tribute. “I’m just a coach who was lucky to be surrounded by great people — great players, great fans, and a great university. West Virginia gave me everything, and I just tried to give a little back.”
But anyone who knows WVU football understands that Nehlen gave far more than “a little.” He gave the state a hero. He gave generations of Mountaineers pride in their program. He gave Morgantown an identity that continues to thrive.
The Spirit Lives On
The upcoming tribute to Don Nehlen is more than a nod to history — it’s a declaration of purpose. As the Mountaineers look to reclaim national prominence in the coming years, the legacy of the Greatest of All Time will serve as both a foundation and a north star.
Fans, alumni, and players alike are expected to pack the stadium in one of the most emotional nights in WVU football history. Songs will be sung. Tears will be shed. And chants of “Let’s Go, Mountaineers!” will echo through the hills — just as they did under Nehlen’s watch.
Because for West Virginia, Don Nehlen is not ju
st a name.
He is tradition.
He is legacy.
He is forever.
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