Pat McAfee Eliminates Nick Saban as WVU Head Coach Candidate

Nick Saban is not going to coach the West Virginia Mountaineers. While that may be tough to hear for some WVU fans, that’s the message Pat McAfee delivered during a segment of his show on Monday afternoon.

The day after WVU announced the firing of Neal Brown, McAfee reiterated that he is willing to help the program find their next head coach, but that coach is just not going to be his friend and ESPN colleague Nick Saban.

“Coach Saban isn’t getting back into coaching but I do believe he is interested in helping West Virginia,” said McAfee.

For some better news, McAfee did explain he’s receiving calls from coaches all over the country, including many high profile ones, asking him to support them as being the next head coach of his beloved Mountaineers.

This continues what McAfee said as his initial reaction to the big news on Sunday.

“This WVU coaching news has made for a rather wild last few hours.. I’d like to say.. Thank you Neal Brown for trying your best and representing WVU with class over the last six years. Good luck with everything going forward,” said McAfee as he respectfully recognized Brown first.

But McAfee was far from done there. He also offered a sales pitch to the next head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers and made it clear he’s willing to do his part to help restore the proud tradition of the program.

“Now… there’s a P4 Head Coaching gig with a GREAT brand/history that doesn’t have a pro team in its state open.. also, a very PASSIONATE fanbase. I’ve been on the phone quite a bit… something special is possible. Wren Baker is in a great spot. I have faith he’s gonna get it right. Let’s GOOOOOOOO,” added an energized McAfee.

McAfee was vocal with his support and also his criticism when warranted of WVU during Brown’s tenure, but he now appears to be motivated to assist WVU director of athletics Wren Baker and the administration as they search for West Virginia’s next leader.

And an alum who just happens to be one of the most prominent voices in sports media today involved in the process can’t hurt.

For a related story, Mike Asti and Cody Nespor talked with fans about the Neal Brown firing and possible candidates to become the next WVU football head coach.