West Virginia Suspends Assistant Coach Noel Devine After Arrest

Arrest and Charges

West Virginia assistant coach Noel Devine has been placed on indefinite leave following his arrest on Sunday. The former standout running back, who is 38 years old, faces a felony charge of strangulation.

According to jail records, Devine was booked into the North Central Regional Jail at 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday. He remains held in the facility, and his bond has been set at $40,000. Online case records indicate that Devine has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. His preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for Sept. 23.

Team Reaction and Role

Devine has been serving the Mountaineers football program as an assistant running backs coach and offensive analyst. He joined the coaching staff when Rich Rodriguez returned to lead the team.

Following the news of the arrest, Rodriguez acted quickly to suspend Devine. "Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff," Rodriguez said in a statement released on Sunday. Rodriguez also noted that any future decision regarding Devine's status with the team will be made after more information becomes available.

Outstanding College Career

Devine is widely remembered as a legendary player for the Mountaineers. He was a star running back under Rodriguez during the head coach's first tenure at West Virginia.

During his playing days, Devine established himself as one of the program's all time greats. He ranks third in West Virginia history with 4,315 career rushing yards. He also holds the school record with 5,761 all purpose yards. Devine earned All Big East honors for his performances on the field and was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

What it means for the next game

West Virginia Mountaineers at Virginia Cavaliers (College Football, Sat, 19 Sep): Virginia Cavaliers win 77%, West Virginia Mountaineers win 23%; projected score Virginia Cavaliers 33, West Virginia Mountaineers 22. Our safest pick: Virginia to win.