Don Nehlen, the legendary head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, was elected the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) in college football in a historic statement that has drawn attention from the entire college football community. With this achievement, Nehlen surpasses some of the most illustrious figures in the history of the sport, such as Earl Campbell (Texas), Bo Jackson (Auburn), Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State), Herschel Walker (Georgia Bulldogs), Mike Leach (Texas Tech), and Tim Tebow (Florida Gators).
This honor is a tribute to Nehlen’s coaching accomplishments as well as his significant and enduring influence on the sport. In 1980, Nehlen assumed control of the Mountaineers’ program and turned it into a reputable national contender. He guided West Virginia to 13 bowl games and two unbeaten regular seasons during his 21-year stint in Morgantown, including a trip to the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, where the Mountaineers faced off for the national championship. He also amassed an incredible 149–93–4 record.
Nehlen’s influence went well beyond the changing area. For generations of athletes and supporters, he served as a father figure and a pillar of support, becoming a source of pride for the state of West Virginia. Very few coaches in the history of the sport have been able to bring a community together and foster a sense of excellence and belonging like he has.
Nehlen’s 2005 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame was a deserved honor for a guy who contributed to the development of the game’s current era. At Milan Puskar Stadium’s Mountaineer Field, where he established a foundation that continues to inspire the home team, his memory endures.
Being chosen the best of all time is a celebration of West Virginia pride, tenacity, and the understated grandeur of a man who led with wisdom and humility, not just a personal honor. Don Nehlen left a lasting legacy in addition to winning games.