The all time winningest coach in WVU’s football program history, Don Nehlen, underwent a triple heart bypass procedure last Tuesday after tests indicated that the need for the procedure be done that day. Nehlen was admitted to Ruby Memorial Hospital by his doctor,  Jose Cruzzavala, after the tests were done on the 72 year old retired coach. Nehlen’s son in law, Jeff Hostetler a WVU alumni and quarterback for the University and various NFL teams, said that the recovery process was going well when interviewed.

“We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers, and we also appreciate everyone respecting our family’s privacy during this time.” Hostetler said. “We are looking forward to a speedy recovery, getting him back on the golf course, and rooting for the Mountaineers.”

Coach Nehlen accumulated a record of 149-93-4 in twenty one seasons with the Mountaineers, helped produce the only two undefeated seasons in school history in 1988 and 1993, and a overall coaching record of 202-138-8 in thirty seasons. Nehlen got his start at Bowling Green as the quarterback for the school and led the Falcons to a MAC Championship in the mid 1950’s.

He would then begin his coaching career in 1958 at Mansfield High School in Mansfield, Ohio, his hometown. The Ohio native would then see stints as assistant coach with the Cincinnati Bearcats and Michigan Wolverines, then as head coach of his alma mater Bowling Green where he would move on to West Virginia University in 1979.

When Nehlen retired in 2000 as the seventeeth winningest coach in football history, and would realize his full circle dream of coaching when in 2005, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame along side many famous names such as Paul “Bear” Bryant, Tom Osborne, and John Heisman.

He has also been celebrated in West Virginia with the Distinguished West Virginian Award in 2002 by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, cheered by fans, and well respected by colleagues and peers the nation over.

We here at WVMS truly hope for a fast recovery and the most sincere best for Coach Nehlen and his family during this time.