Jeff Casteel Has Eyes on Big Prize for Latest Return to WVU

In a call back to West Virginia’s glory years, Rich Rodriguez hired his longtime friend Jeff Casteel for another return to WVU. And even though Casteel did return to Morgantown a few years ago to coach under Neal Brown, Casteel sounds reenergized to be back repenting the Mountaineers once again with Rodriguez back at the helm.

“I’ve always grown up and followed the Mountaineers, so it’s good to be back and get an opportunity to win a championship,” said an excited Casteel in a video released by the WVU football program.

💬 Coach Jeff Casteel

"I've always grown up and followed the Mountaineers, so it's good to be back and get an opportunity to win a championship."@PanhandleCR pic.twitter.com/vRHWG5kNuf

— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) March 23, 2025

Casteel, now in charge of coaching the bandit linebackers, of course, coached at WVU for over a decade once before, including time under Rodriguez. He then also served as defensive coordinator on Rodriguez’s staff at Arizona after leaving WVU in 2011 before working at Nevada and eventually returning to West Virginia early in Neal Brown’s tenure.

And as for what to expect from his players, Casteel echoes what Rodriguez always wants to hear – they will play hard.

“Hopefully we can get after the quarterback a little bit and play hard.”

Rodriguez even emphasized the importance of the having Casteel around again and the asset he should be for the entire defensive staff.

“Jeff has an outstanding resume of defensive success, including being a key member of our staff during one of the most successful periods in West Virginia history,” said Rodriguez as part of the WVU press release when announcing his hiring. 

“I am excited to once again have him on my coaching staff. His experience and leadership will be a valuable asset for our coaching staff and players.”

Casteel has 35 years of defensive coaching experience, including 27 years as a coordinator. He has helped guide teams to 14 conference championships and 15 bowl appearances and has coached numerous All-Americans and professional players. He was named the Rivals Defensive Coordinator of the Year in 2007, Big East Defensive Coordinator of the Year in 2008, a Broyles Award nominee (five times) and the Football Scoop Linebacker Coach of the Year in 2014.

During his tenure at WVU, the Mountaineers experienced one of their greatest periods of success, including winning three BCS bowl games – 2006 Sugar Bowl, 2008 Fiesta Bowl and the 2012 Orange Bowl.

Casteel returned to West Virginia in 2020 after serving as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Nevada for three years. In 2019, the Wolfpack finished 7-6 and earned a spot in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. In 2018, five of his starters earned All-Mountain West honors. From his first year to his second year, the Nevada defense improved from allowing 208.2 yards per game rushing to 142 and dropped the total defense from allowing 471.3 yards to 378.3 yards per game. Four of his players earned All-Mountain West Conference honors.

At Arizona, Casteel helped lead the Wildcats to the 2014 Pac-12 South championship and four bowl appearances, including the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The defense aided in setting a school record for most wins over a four-year period.