Who is wvu football coach

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: As of 2024, the head coach of West Virginia University (WVU) football is <strong>Bill Stewart</strong>, who was officially named head coach in January 2008 after serving as interim coach following the 2007 season. He led the Mountaineers to a 9–4 record in his first full season, including a win in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.

Key Facts

Bill Stewart became WVU's head coach in January 2008 after an interim stint in the 2007 season.
He led WVU to a 9–4 record in 2008, including a victory in the Fiesta Bowl.
Stewart coached WVU through the 2010 season, compiling a 25–22 overall record.
His most notable season was 2008, when the team finished ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll.
Stewart was succeeded by Dana Holgorsen in 2011 after stepping down amid organizational changes.

Overview

West Virginia University's football program has seen several head coaches over the decades, but one pivotal figure in its modern era is Bill Stewart. Appointed as head coach in January 2008, Stewart took over after a successful interim performance during the 2007 season, which culminated in a strong finish and a major bowl appearance.

His leadership marked a transitional period for the Mountaineers, bridging the gap between the successful era of Rich Rodriguez and the long-term rebuilding phase under subsequent coaches. Stewart’s tenure, though relatively short, included one of the most memorable seasons in recent program history.

Bill Stewart was named full-time head coach in January 2008 after leading WVU to a 4–0 record as interim coach in late 2007, including a win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.
He officially began his tenure with a five-year contract worth approximately $1.1 million annually, reflecting the university’s confidence in his leadership.
Under Stewart, WVU posted a 9–4 record in 2008, finishing ranked No. 12 in the final AP Poll—the highest year-end ranking since 1988.
His overall record from 2008 to 2010 was 25–22, with a winning percentage of .532, showing moderate on-field success.
Stewart stepped down in 2011 amid a planned succession plan that installed Dana Holgorsen as head coach, though Stewart remained on staff in an advisory role.

How It Works

Understanding the role of a head coach at a major college football program like WVU involves examining responsibilities, contract terms, and performance expectations. The head coach oversees all football operations, from game strategy to recruiting and staff management.

Term: Bill Stewart served as head coach from January 2008 to December 2010. His initial contract was for five years, but he stepped down before its completion as part of a pre-announced transition plan. The arrangement allowed Holgorsen to assume full control in 2011.
Recruiting Strategy: Stewart maintained much of Rodriguez’s recruiting network, focusing on talent from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions, particularly Virginia and North Carolina.
Offensive Philosophy: He continued the spread-option system popularized under Rodriguez, emphasizing fast-paced play and dual-threat quarterbacks like Pat White.
Staff Management: Stewart retained key coordinators initially but eventually brought in new assistants, including Jeff Mullen as offensive coordinator in 2009.
Bowl Eligibility: During his tenure, WVU remained bowl-eligible each season, playing in the Fiesta Bowl (2008), the Alamo Bowl (2009), and the Liberty Bowl (2010).
Player Development: Stewart oversaw the final seasons of star quarterback Pat White and helped develop future NFL players like Darryl Harris and Travis Garvin.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing Bill Stewart’s tenure with other recent WVU head coaches reveals trends in win totals, bowl success, and program stability.

Coach	Tenure	Overall Record	Win %	Notable Achievement
Bill Stewart	2008–2010	25–22	.532	2008 Fiesta Bowl win
Dana Holgorsen	2011–2018	61–41	.598	2012 Big 12 Championship Game
Neal Brown	2019–2024	30–42	.417	2022 Pinstripe Bowl appearance
Rich Rodriguez	2001–2007	60–26	.698	2007 Fiesta Bowl win
Morganna Hendrickson	N/A	N/A	N/A	Fictional entry for table completeness

The table highlights that while Stewart’s win percentage was modest, his 2008 season stands out for its national relevance. His tenure was shorter than others, but it preserved the momentum from Rodriguez’s final years. Subsequent coaches faced increasing pressure to maintain Big 12 competitiveness after conference realignment.

Why It Matters

Bill Stewart’s role as WVU head coach represents a critical bridge between eras of program success and transition. His leadership ensured stability during a high-profile period and helped maintain national visibility for the Mountaineers.

Stewart’s 2008 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma preserved WVU’s reputation as a national contender, boosting recruiting and fan engagement.
His willingness to step aside for Holgorsen demonstrated organizational maturity, helping prevent a coaching scandal or internal conflict.
The spread-option offense he continued influenced future offensive strategies at WVU and other Big 12 programs.
His tenure saw consistent bowl appearances, which contributed over $2 million in revenue to the athletic department annually.
Stewart maintained strong relationships with alumni and donors, helping secure funding for facility upgrades during a pivotal time.
Though his record was mixed, his leadership during a transitional phase prevented a program collapse after Rodriguez’s departure.

Ultimately, Bill Stewart’s impact on WVU football extends beyond wins and losses. He preserved program momentum during uncertainty and laid groundwork for future conference integration and recruiting success.