Breaking: Former WVU SuperStar Weighs in on Mountaineers’ Coaching Search
Morgantown, WV – As the West Virginia Mountaineers continue their search for a new head coach, one of the program’s most beloved alumni has offered his thoughts on who would be the best fit for the job. Tavon Austin, the dynamic wide receiver and running back who starred for the Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012, recently shared his recommendations with local media.
According to Austin, the Mountaineers need a coach who can bring energy, excitement, and a winning mentality to the program. “We need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact,” Austin said. “Someone who can connect with the players, the fans, and the community. We need a coach who can make West Virginia football relevant again.”
Austin, who was a key player on the Mountaineers’ teams that won two Big East championships and appeared in three bowl games, believes that the program needs a coach with strong ties to the state of West Virginia. “We need someone who understands the culture, the tradition, and the passion of Mountaineer football,” he said. “Someone who can relate to the people of West Virginia and make them proud to wear the Old Gold and Blue.”
With those criteria in mind, Austin recommended several coaches who he believes would be a good fit for the Mountaineers. One of his top choices is Neal Brown’s former assistant coach and current Troy University head coach, _Jon Sumrall_. “Coach Sumrall is a West Virginia native who understands the state’s football culture,” Austin said. “He’s a proven winner with a strong track record of developing players and building successful programs.”
Another coach who received Austin’s endorsement is _Kane Wommack_, the current defensive coordinator at Indiana University. “Coach Wommack is a young, energetic coach who has a deep understanding of the game,” Austin said. “He’s a West Virginia native who has coached at several schools in the state, and he has a strong connection to the Mountaineer program.”
Austin also mentioned _Jamey Chadwell_, the current head coach at Liberty University, as a potential candidate. “Coach Chadwell is a proven winner with a strong track record of building successful programs,” Austin said. “He’s a high-energy coach who can connect with players and fans, and he has a deep understanding of the game.”
While Austin’s recommendations are certainly valuable, it’s worth noting that the Mountaineers’ coaching search is likely to be a thorough and comprehensive process. The program’s athletic director, Wren Baker, has stated that he will consider a wide range of candidates, including coaches with experience in the Power Five conferences.
As the search continues, Mountaineer fans can take comfort in knowing that the program is committed to finding the best possible coach to lead the team into the future. With the support of alumni like Tavon Austin, the Mountaineers are sure to find a coach who can bring excitement, energy, and success to the program.
*Tavon Austin’s Full Statement*
“I’m excited to see where the coaching search takes us. I think we need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. Someone who can connect with the players, the fans, and the community. We need a coach who can make West Virginia football relevant again.
“I think Coach Sumrall would be a great fit. He’s a West Virginia native who understands the state’s football culture. He’s a proven winner with a strong track record of developing players and building successful programs.
“I also think Coach Wommack would be a great choice. He’s a young, energetic coach who has a deep understanding of the game. He’s a West Virginia native who has coached at several schools in the state, and he has a strong connection to the Mountaineer program.
“Ultimately, I think we need someone who can bring energy, excitement, and a winning mentality to the program. Someone who can connect with the players, the fans, and the community. I’m confident that we’ll find the right person for the job.”
*About Tavon Austin*
Tavon Austin is a former American football wide receiver and running back who played for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012. During his time at WVU, Austin was a dynamic playmaker who set numerous school records for rushing and receiving yards. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft and played for several teams, including the Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers. Austin is currently retired from professional football and resides in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.
