WVU Assistant Coach Noel Devine Arrested on Felony Charge
The former Mountaineers star was arrested on strangulation charges and placed on leave.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez has placed assistant Noel Devine on indefinite leave following his arrest on felony strangulation charges. The 38-year-old was taken into custody by police at a local gas station.
Why it matters
The arrest marks a major legal development for a prominent member of the program who previously enjoyed a storied athletic career at the university. The university and coaching staff have moved quickly to distance the team from the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Devine recorded 4,315 career rushing yards and 5,761 career all-purpose yards during his time as a player at West Virginia University. He is currently being held on a $40,000 bond.
The players
Noel Devine
He is a former star running back for the Mountaineers who returned to the university's football program as an assistant coach.
Rich Rodriguez
He is the current head coach of the West Virginia University football team who placed his assistant on indefinite leave.
The details
Police allege that Devine used phone tracking to locate the victim at Kegler's Sports Bar before forcing her into a vehicle and placing his hands around her neck. The victim, who reported a one-year relationship with the coach, sought medical care at Ruby Memorial Hospital following the incident.
Timeline
Devine played football for West Virginia University from 2007 through 2010.
Devine was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Devine returned to WVU as a coach in 2025.
The alleged incident occurred outside Kegler's Sports Bar on September 12, 2026.
A preliminary hearing for Devine is scheduled for September 23, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This arrest forces the Mountaineers to reorganize their coaching staff mid-season, potentially impacting the team's continuity and focus during a critical stretch of games. The sudden vacancy adds an unexpected layer of instability to the program's leadership structure.
The indefinite leave of absence forces an immediate change in the Mountaineers' coaching rotation and strategic game-day responsibilities. This development creates a personnel void that the staff must fill while the legal process plays out.
The takeaway
Legal challenges involving coaching staff can cause significant disruption to team operations and morale. Institutions often prioritize immediate removal from duties to maintain program stability while criminal investigations proceed.
What happens next
Noel Devine is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on September 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on the state of the team, visit Football.
