WVU's Neal Brown will replace defensive coordinator Vic Koenning with a committee

In the wake of former defensive coordinator Vic Koenning’s departure from the staff, West Virginia coach Neal Brown will split duties on that side of the ball among five assistants.

Brown said the ongoing pandemic also played a part in his decision not to name a specific replacement for Koenning.

“Given the timing and unique circumstances surrounding the pandemic, we are going to divide responsibilities and use a committee approach,” Brown said in a statement. “We are promoting Jeff Casteel to an on-the-field position and know he will be a great contributor. We have an outstanding group of defensive coaches, and I have the utmost confidence in their ability.”

Jordan Lesley will oversee the front of the defense and Jahmile Addae the back. Casteel will coach outside linebackers, and Dontae Wright will coach safeties. Jeff Koonz will coach inside linebackers and special teams.

Wright was hired from Western Michigan this year, initially to coach outside linebackers.

Koenning and West Virginia mutually agreed to separate last week amid allegations that he mistreated players.

Sophomore safety Kerry Martin Jr. initially made the charges last month on Twitter.

“I’ve been contemplating about posting,” Martin wrote. “But we need a change in our program.”

Martin also wrote that Koenning called him “retarded” after he made a mistake in a team workout.

“I have family members who are mentally ill,” Martin wrote, “and for him to say that hurt me.”

Martin said he met with West Virginia coach Neal Brown about Koenning’s comments that, he said, also included inappropriate comments about religion, politics and the recent demonstrations on racism and police brutality.

Koenning came to West Virginia in 2019 with coach Neal Brown after they had worked together at Troy.