West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez has officially named Zac Alley as the Mountaineers’ new assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach.
Alley, widely regarded as one of the top young defensive minds in college football, brings a proven track record of success and innovation to Morgantown.
“Zac is one of the top young defensive coordinators in the country and has proven his ability to lead and be an innovator at different stops during his career,” Rodriguez said. “I have worked with him several seasons, and he
constantly impresses me with his ability to blend schemes with his personnel and develop winning results. I look forward to him joining our staff and making an immediate impact for us.”
Alley, 31, most recently served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma, where his defense excelled in several key categories. In 2024, the Sooners ranked No. 3 nationally in defensive touchdowns, No. 5 in
fumbles recovered, and No. 19 in total defense. His star linebacker, Danny Stutsman, earned NCAA Consensus All-American honors under Alley’s tutelage.
The move reunites Alley with Rodriguez, under whom he previously worked at Jacksonville State and Louisiana-Monroe. Alley expressed excitement about rejoining his mentor. “I have
tremendous respect for Coach Rod, as I’ve seen how he develops players and builds a program,” Alley said. “I look forward to working with the players and doing my part to help WVU be one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference and the nation.”
At Jacksonville State, Alley coordinated a defense that ranked among the nation’s best in categories such as opponent yards per rush, turnovers gained, and tackles for loss. In 2023,
his unit helped lead the Gamecocks to a 9-4 record and a New Orleans Bowl victory.
Alley’s rapid rise began at ULM in 2021, where he became the youngest defensive coordinator in the FBS at age 27. Under his leadership, ULM’s defense made dramatic improvements, including jumping 56 spots in rushing defense rankings in just one season.
Alley’s coaching résumé also includes stints at Boise State, where he was named one of FootballScoop’s special teams coordinators of the year, and Clemson, where he was part of four ACC Championship teams and two national championship-winning squads. His experience also extends to the NFL, where he completed a defensive coaching internship with the Carolina Panthers in 2017.
With his impressive track record and alignment with Rodriguez’s vision, Alley’s addition to the staff is seen as a major boost to the Mountaineers as they seek to reclaim prominence in the Big 12.