West Virginia’s past offensive struggles are a reminder of how complicated success can be.
Under head coach Neal Brown, the Mountaineers once used a puzzling approach to play-calling—Brown managed the offense until the red zone, where offensive coordinator Gerad Parker took over.
The system worked in execution but faltered in explanation, leaving fans scratching their heads even as the team thrived in scoring situations.
Similar confusion arose during the short-lived tenure of Kirk Ciarrocca, reflecting WVU’s uneasy relationship with change.
But the Mountaineers appear ready to learn from their past missteps. This offseason, they made a decisive move, naming Zac Alley as their defensive coordinator.
Unlike previous experiments with multiple leaders, Alley steps into a clearly defined role.
His recent experience at Oklahoma under renowned defensive strategist Brent Venables—a masterclass in defensive excellence—positions him to bring fresh ideas and focus to WVU’s defense.
By simplifying roles and embracing bold decisions, West Virginia signals its commitment to a more coherent and competitive future in college football. If Alley can apply the lessons learned from his time in Norman, the Mountaineers may finally find a winning formula for both clarity and success.