West Virginia University (WVU) football has undergone a major shift as defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley stepped down following a challenging start to the season. Lesley, a long-time figure in the Mountaineers’ coaching staff, found himself under increasing pressure from fans and administration as WVU’s defense struggled to meet expectations.
The season reached a breaking point after a tough loss to the University of Pittsburgh, where defensive mishaps led to Lesley’s decision to deactivate his social media accounts due to harsh feedback. As the Mountaineers look to salvage the season, Jeff Koonz, the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator. Here’s an in-depth look at the changes and their impact on WVU football.
Mounting Pressure on WVU’s Defense
The WVU defense has faced criticism since the season began, with fans voicing their frustrations about recurring defensive lapses. Although fans are crucial supporters of the program, the intense criticism on social media became overwhelming for Lesley. Following the loss to Pittsburgh in the Backyard Brawl, he deactivated his social media accounts, a move that signaled the weight of the public scrutiny he was under.
While fan involvement is essential to the spirit of college football, there are limits to the criticism coaches and players can absorb. Lesley’s departure highlights the high-stakes environment surrounding WVU football and the importance of performance in maintaining team morale and fan support.
Defensive Struggles Lead to Major Setbacks
WVU’s defensive struggles were not limited to a single game. In a 49-14 victory over the University at Albany, WVU allowed over 300 passing yards to an FCS opponent, sparking concerns about the secondary’s capabilities. Despite Lesley’s assurances that these issues were “easy fixes,” the problems only escalated in subsequent games.
During the game against Pittsburgh, a critical moment occurred when WVU’s defense allowed a touchdown on a 2nd-and-30 play—a rare and concerning lapse. This breakdown was followed by Pittsburgh’s game-winning touchdown drive, which capitalized on WVU’s defensive weaknesses.
The trend of poor defensive showings continued, with opposing quarterbacks achieving impressive stats against the Mountaineers, including a combined 823 passing yards and seven touchdowns in the first three games. WVU’s defense allowed opponents to convert third and fourth downs at a troubling rate, which further fueled frustrations among fans and the coaching staff.
Neal Brown’s Decision to Part Ways with Lesley
Head coach Neal Brown, faced with a season at risk, announced that Jordan Lesley would no longer serve as WVU’s defensive coordinator. Brown expressed gratitude for Lesley’s contributions, acknowledging his dedication and the investment he and his family had made in WVU football over the years. Lesley, who joined Brown at WVU from Troy University in 2019, played an instrumental role as the defensive line coach before his promotion to co-defensive coordinator and, ultimately, to defensive coordinator in 2021.
Under Lesley’s leadership in 2021, WVU’s defense excelled in certain metrics, including ranking fifth nationally in red zone defense and among the top 40 in several other defensive categories. However, this season’s performances did not meet those standards, and Brown concluded that a change in leadership was necessary to steer the program in a new direction.
The Challenges Faced by WVU’s Defense
Despite Lesley’s efforts, WVU’s defense found itself lagging in critical areas this season. Entering their bye week, the Mountaineers ranked 95th in scoring defense, allowing an average of 28.4 points per game. The unit also struggled in other categories, including total defense (ranked 84th with 382.5 yards allowed per game) and passing yards allowed (114th with 261 yards per game). Their inability to effectively handle third and fourth-down conversions placed them near the bottom of the rankings, at 124th and 117th, respectively.
WVU’s defensive woes have been costly, directly contributing to multiple losses. In their recent matchup with Iowa State, for example, WVU’s defense faltered after an initial 7-0 lead, allowing two long touchdown drives that turned the game around. Against Kansas State, the Mountaineers struggled again, allowing opposing quarterback Avery Johnson to throw for nearly 300 yards without an interception. Even in their win over Arizona, WVU’s defense showed vulnerabilities that nearly jeopardized the game, allowing multiple touchdowns in the final quarter.
Jeff Koonz Takes the Helm
With Lesley’s departure, Jeff Koonz will serve as WVU’s interim defensive coordinator. Koonz, who has coached linebackers at WVU since 2020, also has experience as a co-defensive coordinator, previously holding the role at Cincinnati. He has been instrumental in WVU’s special teams success, adding depth to the team’s defensive capabilities.
Koonz’s appointment comes at a time when WVU desperately needs a defensive reset. His experience and familiarity with WVU’s defensive structure may provide the stability the team needs to finish the season strong. Brown has expressed confidence in Koonz’s leadership, stating that the change is in the best interest of the program and positions the team to turn things around.
Addressing WVU’s Defensive Weaknesses
One of the recurring themes in WVU’s defensive struggles has been inconsistent coverage and breakdowns in crucial moments. Brown has emphasized that the search for solutions has been challenging. In some instances, defensive adjustments that worked well against one opponent failed against others. For example, the cover-two defense, which showed promise in earlier games, was exploited by Arizona’s offense, leading to big plays against WVU’s secondary.
The defense’s issues have also been compounded by injuries and a rotating lineup, which can disrupt a team’s cohesion. Brown and Koonz must now focus on simplifying defensive schemes to limit coverage errors and ensure that players are positioned to make crucial stops.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for WVU Football?
With Jeff Koonz now leading the defense, the Mountaineers have an opportunity to make the necessary adjustments and finish the season on a positive note. The upcoming games will serve as a test of the defense’s ability to regroup and implement a new strategy under Koonz’s guidance. While the midseason coaching change adds a layer of complexity, it also brings renewed hope that WVU can address its defensive issues and build momentum for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Jordan Lesley step down as WVU’s defensive coordinator?
Jordan Lesley stepped down due to mounting pressure after several defensive struggles early in the season. Despite his prior success, WVU’s defense underperformed, and head coach Neal Brown decided to make a change to improve the team’s outlook.
2. Who will take over as WVU’s defensive coordinator?
Jeff Koonz, WVU’s linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, has been named interim defensive coordinator. Koonz brings experience from previous roles, including as co-defensive coordinator at Cincinnati.
3. What were WVU’s biggest defensive issues this season?
WVU’s defense struggled with pass coverage, allowing high conversion rates on third and fourth downs and failing to contain opposing quarterbacks. These breakdowns led to significant yardage and point allowances in key games.
4. How did fan criticism impact Jordan Lesley’s departure?
Fan criticism, particularly on social media, added pressure on Lesley, leading him to deactivate his Twitter account following the loss to Pittsburgh. While fan support is crucial, the criticism became overwhelming, contributing to his decision to step down.
5. What changes can fans expect from Jeff Koonz as defensive coordinator?
Koonz may simplify defensive schemes to limit mistakes and improve coverage. His focus will likely be on enhancing consistency in third and fourth-down situations and reducing big plays allowed by the secondary.