Jeff Koonz Takes Over as DC for West Virginia, Replacing Jordan Lesley
West Virginia's inside linebackers coach Jeff Koonz has taken over as the team's defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season, replacing Jordan Lesley.
Koonz previously served as a defensive coordinator at Cincinnati in 2016 and has been with West Virginia since 2020 as the inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator under head coach Neal Brown.
Brown stated, "These decisions are never easy, but I'm confident this change is in the best interest of our program and puts us in the best position to finish strong. Our players have a tremendous opportunity in front of them, and I know they will give their all for WVU." He also expressed his trust in Koonz to step up as the new defensive coordinator and lead the team to success.
Lesley, who had been with Brown since 2016 at Troy, had held the defensive coordinator position since 2020.
The Mountaineers (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) have given up 99 points in their last three games.
Brown announced, "I met with Coach Lesley this morning and informed him that we are making a change at the defensive coordinator position. I'm very thankful for the investment Jordan and his family have made in West Virginia football. He is a good football coach and a great man, and I know he will have much success moving forward."
West Virginia, who has a bye week, will face Cincinnati on November 9th.