MORGANTOWN, WV – May 16, 2025 – Don Nehlen, the legendary former head coach of the West Virginia University Mountaineers, has announced a historic $25 million endowment to support the WVU football program, with a focus on youth development and community impact. Unveiled today at a press conference outside Milan Puskar Stadium, this transformative gift cements Nehlen’s enduring legacy as the most successful coach in Mountaineer history and a champion for West Virginia’s youth.
Nehlen, who coached WVU from 1980 to 2000, led the Mountaineers to 149 wins, 13 bowl games, and two undefeated regular seasons in 1988 and 1993. His teams reached the 1988 Fiesta Bowl for a national championship and secured five conference titles. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005, Nehlen’s name adorns the WVU football complex. Now, his $25 million endowment, one of the largest single donations in WVU athletics history, will fund scholarships, facilities upgrades, and youth outreach programs to inspire the next generation of Mountaineers.
“West Virginia University and its fans gave me everything,” Nehlen said, flanked by current coach Neal Brown and university president Gordon Gee. “This endowment is my way of giving back to a program and a state that mean so much to me. I want to ensure our student-athletes and young people across West Virginia have the resources to succeed.” The funds, drawn from Nehlen’s personal savings and investments, reflect his deep ties to Morgantown, where he remains a beloved figure.
The endowment will be allocated over a decade, with $15 million dedicated to athletic scholarships for football players, prioritizing in-state talent to nurture local youth. Another $7 million will enhance facilities, including upgrades to the Don Nehlen Football Complex and Milan Puskar Stadium, improving training and fan experiences. The remaining $3 million will establish the Nehlen Youth Development Fund, supporting football camps, leadership programs, and mentorship for underprivileged youth across West Virginia, in partnership with the WVU Extension Service.
The announcement has sparked jubilation among Mountaineer Nation, with fans on X posting, “$25M from Coach Nehlen? That’s Mountaineer pride!” The gift comes as the 2025 WVU football team, currently 4-4 in the Big 12, aims to build momentum under Brown. Nehlen’s endowment is expected to boost recruiting and program stability, reinforcing WVU’s reputation as a destination for top talent.
“Don Nehlen is the gold standard of WVU football,” said athletic director Wren Baker. “This endowment will elevate our program and impact countless lives. His commitment to youth development embodies the spirit of West Virginia.” Current players echoed this sentiment, with quarterback Garrett Greene stating, “Coach Nehlen’s gift motivates us to honor his legacy on the field.”
Community leaders praised the donation’s focus on youth. “Don Nehlen’s endowment will empower young West Virginians,” said Amy McCart, executive director of the WVU Extension Service. “These programs will provide opportunities for kids to grow as athletes and leaders.” The Nehlen Youth Development Fund will offer free football clinics in underserved counties, aiming to reach over 5,000 youth annually.
Nehlen’s 21-year tenure transformed WVU into a national contender, producing NFL stars like Jeff Hostetler and Major Harris. His 1988 team, led by Harris, went 11-0 before falling to Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl. Nehlen’s emphasis on discipline and community resonated with West Virginians, earning him the nickname “The Coach.” Since retiring, he has remained active in Morgantown, supporting local charities and mentoring young coaches.
As WVU prepares for a home game against Baylor, Nehlen’s endowment has electrified the fanbase. The donation aligns with the university’s mission to serve the state, building on Nehlen’s previous contributions, such as funding for the WVU Children’s Hospital. Fans are expected to honor Nehlen at the next home game, with a halftime tribute planned.
With this $25 million endowment, Don Nehlen is not only preserving his legacy as a coaching icon but also investing in West Virginia’s future. His generosity ensures that the Mountaineer spirit—rooted in grit, pride, and community—will inspire generations, from the gridiron to the hills of the Mountain State.
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