MORGANTOWN, WV – In a move celebrated by the West Virginia University community and Mountaineer football faithful across the nation, the athletic program has officially announced plans to erect a statue honoring their legendary head coach, Don Nehlen. The bronze tribute to the College Football Hall of Famer will be strategically located outside the main entrance of Milan Puskar Stadium, ensuring that Nehlen’s immense contributions to the program are perpetually recognized by all who enter. Work on the monument is scheduled to commence in September 2025, with an official unveiling ceremony anticipated during the 2026 football season.
The announcement fulfills a long-held desire of many associated with the Mountaineers, providing a permanent and prominent tribute to the coach who presided over one of the most successful eras in program history. Nehlen, who led the Mountaineers from 1980 to 2000, amassed a remarkable record of 149 victories, guiding the team to two undefeated regular seasons (1988 and 1993), a national championship game appearance in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, and the 1993 Big East Conference tittitle.
While Nehlen’s name was previously immortalized on the Diversified Energy Terrace inside Milan Puskar Stadium in 2023, the forthcoming statue represents a more visible and interactive way for fans to connect with his enduring legacy. The main entrance, a central hub of activity on game days, will now feature the likeness of the iconic coach, forever associating his name and achievements with the Mountaineer football experience.
“Coach Nehlen is synonymous with West Virginia University football,” said current Mountaineer Athletic Director Wren Baker in a press release announcing the statue. “His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our student-athletes and this university are the foundation upon which our program’s success was built. Placing his statue at the entrance of Milan Puskar Stadium is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to the Mountaineers.”
The decision to honor Nehlen with a statue has been met with resounding applause from former players, coaches, and the passionate Mountaineer fanbase. For many, Nehlen’s tenure represents the golden age of West Virginia football, a time marked by consistent winning, thrilling victories, and a deep connection between the team and the state.
“This is absolutely wonderful news,” exclaimed Major Harris, the electrifying quarterback who led Nehlen’s undefeated 1988 squad. “Coach Nehlen was more than just a coach; he was a mentor, a father figure, and a true leader. He instilled in us a sense of pride and belief that we could achieve anything. This statue is a testament to the impact he had on so many lives and on the entire state of West Virginia.”
The statue project will be a collaborative effort involving the athletic department, university officials, former players, and dedicated supporters. Details regarding the selection of the sculptor and the specific design of the statue are expected to be released in the coming months. However, the overarching goal is to create a depiction that accurately reflects Nehlen’s commanding presence and the profound respect he earned throughout his career.
The timeline for the project anticipates that the design and sculpting phases will progress through the latter part of 2025, with the installation at Milan Puskar Stadium slated to take place in advance of the 2026 football season. The unveiling ceremony is expected to be a significant event, bringing together former players, coaches, university dignitaries, and thousands of enthusiastic fans to celebrate Nehlen’s lasting impact.
This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of its athletic programs. The Don Nehlen statue will join the Mountaineer mascot statue already standing sentinel at the stadium, creating a prominent area dedicated to the symbols and figures that embody the spirit of West Virginia University athletics.
During his illustrious career in Morgantown, Nehlen coached 15 first-team All-Americans, 82 All-Big East Conference honorees, and saw 80 of his players go on to careers in the National Football League. His teams were known for their toughness, discipline, and innovative offensive schemes. Beyond the on-field success, Nehlen fostered a culture of academic achievement and character development within his program.
The placement of the statue at the main entrance will serve as a daily reminder to current and future Mountaineers of the high standards set by Coach Nehlen and the legacy they are entrusted to uphold. It will also provide a focal point for fans to pay their respects and reflect on the remarkable achievements of a man who dedicated two decades to the West Virginia football program.
As the anticipation builds for the unveiling in 2026, the announcement of the Don Nehlen statue marks a significant moment in the history of West Virginia University football. It is a fitting tribute to a legendary coach whose impact extended far beyond the sidelines, shaping the lives of countless young men and forever etching his name in the hearts of Mountaineer fans. The roar of the crowd on Saturdays in Morgantown will now be accompanied by the silent but powerful presence of the man who led them to so many memorable victories.
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