WVU defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley was fired and Jeff Koonz was named his replacement for the rest of the season

MORGANTOWN — The West Virginia University football team has a new defensive coordinator after head coach Neal Brown said Jordan Lesley has been removed from the role and linebackers coach Jeff Koonz will serve in the role for the remainder of the season.

“I met with Coach Lesley this morning and informed him that we are making a change at defensive coordinator,” Brown said in a statement Tuesday morning. I am very grateful for the investment Jordan and his family have made in West Virginia football. Jordan was a key part of my staff for almost a decade. He is a good football coach and a great person. I know he will have a lot of success in the future and we will do everything we can to help him on his journey.

“These decisions are never easy, but I am confident that this change is in the best interest of our program and puts us in the best position to finish strong. Our players have a great opportunity ahead of them and I know they will give their all for WVU. Jeff Koonz will be promoted to serve as offensive defensive coordinator. I know he and our entire staff will do everything in their power to help us succeed.

Lesley came to WVU with Brown from Troy University in 2019, serving first as defensive line coach, then co-coordinator and defensive line coach in 2020 and as defensive coordinator since 2021. In 2021, WVU was ranked fifth in the nation in red zone defense, ranking 18th in fewest defensive first downs allowed and fourth down percentage, 29th in third down defense and 37th in total defense (350.1).

This year, however, the Mountaineers weren’t even close to those numbers. WVU entered the bye week tied for 95th in scoring defense (28.4 points per game), 84th in total defense (382.5 yards per game), 114th in passing defense (261 per game), 117th in passing defense (261 per game). in opponent fourth down conversions, 124th in opponent third down conversions and 127th in opponent passer rating (161.99).

The Mountaineers (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) visit Cincinnati at noon on November 9.

— Story by Derek Redd