Rich Rodriguez Releases Statement, Places Noel Devine on Leave

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez released a statement about the arrest of Noel Devine.

“Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff. Any future decision on his status will be determined after more information becomes available,” said Rodriguez.

Devine has been placed on a leave of absence from the West Virginia football program.

Devine was arrested on Sunday, as first reported by WBOY and confirmed by WV Sports Now. The charge is for alleged strangulation.

The circumstances of the incident have not been released at this time.

Devine returned to his alma mater as an offensive analyst and assistant running backs coach in January, 2025. WV Sports Now broke the news of Devine’s hiring ahead of the school’s announcement.

Devine ran for 4,315 yards and scored 29 touchdowns as a Mountaineer. He also made 98 receptions and racked up 710 more yards as a receiver.

WV Sports Now will provide more updates as this story develops.