MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On Tuesday, West Virginia made the decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley. Coach Neal Brown announced that Jeff Koonz, who has been serving as the inside linebackers coach, will take over as the interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of the season.

The Mountaineers have faced significant challenges in their secondary this season, grappling with numerous injuries. As a result, they are letting opponents gain an average of 9.3 yards on each pass play, which stands as the highest in the Big 12 Conference. Furthermore, they have allowed 17 touchdown passes, placing them second-worst in that category.

The coaching change follows a disappointing performance where West Virginia conceded 45 points to No. 17 Kansas State on October 19. In a recent game against Arizona, despite a 31-26 victory, the Mountaineers again struggled defensively, giving up two touchdown passes due to coverage errors.

“Making these choices is always tough, but I believe this adjustment is what our program needs and will help us finish the season on a strong note,” Brown remarked in his statement.

Jordan Lesley has been with West Virginia as the defensive coordinator for four seasons. Before that, he spent two years as the defensive line coach and was part of Brown’s coaching staff at Troy for three years.

Currently, West Virginia has a record of 4-4 overall and 3-2 in the Big 12. Their next game is scheduled against Cincinnati, who has a record of 5-3 and also stands at 3-2 in the conference, on November 9.