MOUNTAINEERS PRIDE: “The Don Legacy” — Netflix Unveils Date for Its Riveting New Documentary on West Virginia Football Icon Don Nehlen
Coming September 15th to Netflix, “The Don Legacy” promises to be a heartfelt, powerful, and uncompromising look at the life and career of West Virginia University’s most iconic football coach — Don Nehlen. The feature-length documentary, produced by Emmy-winning director Sarah Ellison and backed by ESPN Films, charts the rise of a humble Ohio native who forever transformed Mountaineer football.
For nearly two decades, Don Nehlen commanded the sidelines in Morgantown, bringing grit, class, and consistency to WVU. Under his leadership from 1980 to 2000, the Mountaineers posted 149 victories, made 13 bowl appearances, and twice reached undefeated regular seasons — all while building a national reputation as a team that played with heart and hustle.
The documentary goes far beyond the wins and losses. Featuring rare archival footage, locker room speeches, and exclusive interviews with former players, coaching rivals, and family members, “The Don Legacy” uncovers the man behind the headset — a father figure to generations of student-athletes, a pioneer in player development, and a coach who demanded not perfection, but integrity.
Pat McAfee, Major Harris, and Hall of Famer Mike Logan lend emotional and reflective commentary on how Nehlen’s approach shaped their lives long after football. “He made boys into men,” says Harris in the trailer, “and he made West Virginia believe we belonged on the national stage.”
Viewers will witness pivotal moments, like the 1988 undefeated run, the heartbreak of bowl losses, and Nehlen’s decision to retire in 2000 — a moment that brought 60,000 fans to their feet in thunderous gratitude at Milan Puskar Stadium.
Netflix will also feature a companion short titled “Lessons from the Locker Room” — highlighting Nehlen’s mentorship, recruiting philosophy, and the values that still echo through WVU’s football culture today.
West Virginians have waited decades for a tribute of this scale — and now, “The Don Legacy” promises to stir the hearts of Mountaineer Nation, honoring a man whose vision stretched beyond the field and into the fabric of the state.
“He didn’t just coach football,” says narrator Morgan Freeman. “He built a legacy where pride runs deep, and country roads lead to greatness.”
Streaming begins September 15, globally.
