Jeff Koonz References Benefit of Notable WVU Football Alums Like McAfee, ‘Pacman’ Jones

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – Every program isn’t blessed with as many notable alums and former players as WVU, but that’s especially true as far as special teams stars. Special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach Jeff Koonz brought that point up while speaking with the media on Tuesday after practice.

Unprompted, Koonz mentioned that having visible former Mountaineers like Pat McAfee is something that often gets brought up by recruits. McAfee was able to turn being a kicker at WVU into an eight-year NFL career as an All-Pro punter and now in the world of media as an entrepreneur.

Koonz says he even references McAfee as someone who used a position that many don’t view as one that brings with it the fame and fanfare as a method to achieve tremendous success on and off the field.

Ironically, around the same time Koonz was talking about McAfee, he was in a discussion about being a fan of WVU athletic director Wren Baker with fellow former Mountaineer Adam “Pacman” Jones on his show.

In the past, McAfee did reveal that he has not always had the relationship he desires to have with the WVU program in the middle of the 2022 season. He was also very critical of the team, who he labeled the most disappointing team in the country. This prompted Brown to have to address McAfee‘s comments.

Ever since that back and forth, the connection of the Mountaineers to McAfee has improved, especially since Baker took over and Blaine Stewart was added to the coaching staff.

West Virginia Football HC Neal Brown Responds to Pat McAfee’s Comments About Team

Koonz also talked about being able to draw off of ‘Pacman’ too. Jones was at West Virginia practice recently to support Chris Henry Jr. on his visit with the program. Koonz made it clear that he didn’t have to ask ‘Pacman’ to speak with any of his returners and that he took it upon himself to lend a hand.

Pacman out here enjoying WVU football practice. pic.twitter.com/aE2wtf5lvr

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) March 25, 2023

Koonz feels having a player who achieved everything his current players are dreaming of and who also cares so much about wearing the Old Gold and Blue is invaluable. Jones actually conveyed this message to a group of players after practice.