**Chad Scott Leaving WVU for Running Backs Coach Position at Texas**
West Virginia University (WVU) has confirmed that running backs coach Chad Scott will be leaving the Mountaineers football program to accept the same position at the University of Texas. Scott, who has been a pivotal part of WVU’s coaching staff for several seasons, will join the Longhorns as part of their revamped football program. His departure marks a significant change for the Mountaineers’ coaching staff, and it has raised questions about how the team will move forward as they look to fill the vacancy.
Scott’s decision to leave WVU for Texas comes as a surprise to many, as he had built strong relationships with both the players and coaching staff during his time in Morgantown. Joining the Mountaineers in 2017, Scott made an immediate impact, helping develop some of the program’s most dynamic running backs. Under his guidance, WVU’s running back corps became a formidable force in the Big 12, consistently producing top-tier talent. His departure leaves a notable gap in a position that has been a cornerstone of the team’s offensive success.
Over the years, Scott helped recruit and develop running backs such as Leddie Brown, who went on to become one of the program’s all-time leading rushers. Scott’s ability to identify and nurture talent at the position was a major asset to WVU’s offense, and his impact on the players extended beyond just coaching techniques. He built a reputation for his leadership and commitment to the development of his athletes, making his departure a tough blow for the Mountaineers.
The University of Texas, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, has been making several changes to its coaching staff as it seeks to regain national prominence in college football. Scott’s hiring is seen as part of the Longhorns’ effort to bolster their running game and bring in experienced coaches who can contribute to their rise in the Big 12 and eventually the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Texas has been making strides in recruiting, and Scott’s experience coaching high-level talent could play a pivotal role in enhancing the program’s future success.
For WVU, Scott’s departure is a significant setback in what has already been a challenging offseason. The Mountaineers will now have to find a suitable replacement who can maintain the running back position’s effectiveness and build upon the foundation Scott has laid. The task will be especially important as WVU looks to improve its offense and compete in the competitive Big 12 conference. The coaching search will likely be one of the top priorities for head coach Neal Brown and athletic director Shane Lyons in the coming weeks.
While WVU’s running back corps will have to adjust to a new coach, the program still boasts a wealth of talent at the position. Players like CJ Donaldson, who showed flashes of brilliance in his freshman season, will look to continue their development under the new coach. With a solid group of returning players and recruits, the Mountaineers have the potential to maintain a strong running game, but the transition period following Scott’s departure could bring growing pains.
The news of Scott’s move to Texas also underscores the competitive nature of college football coaching. As programs continue to rise and fall in the rankings, coaching staffs are constantly in flux, with top programs looking to hire experienced staff to bolster their success. Scott’s move to Texas is just one example of how coaching opportunities at major programs can present career advancements that are difficult to turn down, even for coaches with deep ties to their current programs.
As West Virginia prepares for the 2025 season, the team will need to quickly fill the running backs coach position. The search will likely focus on candidates with experience developing talent and managing a successful rushing attack. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how WVU responds to the challenge, and whether the program can maintain its offensive identity in the face of staff changes. With a new coaching staff and a new season on the horizon, the Mountaineers will be hoping for a smooth transition as they look to continue competing at a high level in the Big 12.