MORGANTOWN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia University football coach Rich Rodriguez has announced Zac Alley as the Mountaineers’ new assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, and linebackers coach.
“Zac is one of the top young defensive coordinators in the country and has proven his ability to lead and be an innovator at different stops during his career,” Rodriguez said.
“I have worked with him several seasons, and he constantly impresses me with his ability to blend schemes with his personnel and develop winning results. I look forward to him joining our staff and making an immediate impact for us.”
Alley joins WVU after serving as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Oklahoma, where he played a key role in the Sooners’ defensive success in 2024.
Under his guidance, Oklahoma ranked third in defensive touchdowns and fifth in fumbles recovered, among other top national rankings.
One of his standout players, linebacker Danny Stutsman, earned NCAA Consensus All-American honors after leading the Sooners with 110 tackles, including eight tackles for loss.
Previously, Alley worked under Rodriguez at Jacksonville State in 2022-23 and Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) in 2021.
At Jacksonville State, Alley led a defense that ranked among the nation’s best in categories such as opponent yards per rush, turnovers gained, and sacks per game.
The Gamecocks achieved a 9-4 record in 2023, including a victory in the New Orleans Bowl.
Alley’s career also includes a stint as the youngest defensive coordinator in the Football Bowl Subdivision when he joined ULM at age 27.
He helped turn around the Warhawks’ defense, which improved dramatically across multiple categories during his tenure.
“I am excited to join coach Rodriguez and the West Virginia University football program,” Alley said. “I have tremendous respect for Coach Rod, as I’ve seen how he develops players and builds a program. I look forward to working with the players and doing my part to help WVU be one of the top teams in the Big 12 Conference and the nation.”
Alley’s coaching résumé includes time at Boise State, where he served as co-special teams coordinator, and a defensive coaching internship with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
He began his career as a student assistant at Clemson in 2011, working with the team during its rise to two national championships and four ACC titles.
A graduate of Clemson, Alley holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in human resource development.
