Morgantown is about to shine on the biggest stage in entertainment. Netflix has announced plans to release a new docuseries centered on the life and career of West Virginia’s most beloved coach of all time — Don Nehlen.
For Mountaineer fans, this isn’t just another sports documentary. This is a homecoming, a celebration of the man who transformed West Virginia football from a regional program into a respected national powerhouse. Over 21 unforgettable seasons (1980–2000), Nehlen carved out a legacy that still echoes in Milan Puskar Stadium every fall Saturday.
A Career Built on Loyalty and Success
When Don Nehlen took over WVU in 1980, the program was searching for stability and identity. By the time he retired in 2000, he had given fans a record 149 victories, 13 bowl appearances, and two undefeated regular seasons (1988, 1993).
Few moments in Mountaineer history are etched deeper in memory than the 1988 team’s march to the Fiesta Bowl, led by Major Harris, or the 1993 squad’s perfect run. Those teams didn’t just win games—they captured the spirit of an entire state.
Netflix’s Storytelling Power
According to early reports, Netflix will weave together rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes interviews with former players, assistants, and family, along with Nehlen’s own reflections. The goal? To give fans and newcomers alike a raw, emotional look at the coach who put “Mountaineer Pride” on the national map.
“Don Nehlen wasn’t just a coach—he was West Virginia football,” one producer teased. “We want to show how his impact went far beyond the gridiron.”
More Than Just Victories
What made Nehlen special wasn’t just his record. It was his bond with the state. In a place where football is more than a game, Nehlen represented hard work, loyalty, and resilience. His players adored him, his fans respected him, and his legacy has never faded—even 25 years after his retirement.
A Must-Watch for College Football Fans
For college football fans nationwide, this series promises to be a trip back to an era when passion outweighed money and loyalty meant everything. For Mountaineers, it will be an emotional ride, reliving some of the program’s greatest highs and toughest heartbreaks.
One thing is certain: when the Netflix logo flashes on screen and Don Nehlen’s story begins, couches across West Virginia will feel like stadium seats on a Saturday afternoon.
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💭 Mountaineer fans, will you be tuning in for this one? What’s your favorite Don Nehlen memory — the 1988 Fiesta Bowl run, the 1993 undefeated season, or another moment that defined his legendary career?