MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — West Virginia has added a proven, accomplished veteran to its coaching staff.
Rich Rodriguez announced that Jay Boulware has been hired as the new running backs coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers, a move that brings decades of experience, championship pedigree, and Big 12 familiarity back to Morgantown.
“Jay Boulware brings years of successful experience as a highly respected coach and recruiter,” Rodriguez said. “His knowledge of the Big 12 Conference and ability to recruit high-level players and develop running backs make him a great addition to our program. I look forward to having him join our staff here at WVU.”
Welcome to Almost Heaven, @CoachJ_Boulware!
🔗https://t.co/hLYAdDlsEb#HailWV pic.twitter.com/WddGWMOfa1
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) December 29, 2025
A Veteran Coach With Championship Credentials
Boulware arrives in Morgantown with 29 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator at Kentucky Wildcats over the past three seasons. During that stretch, he consistently produced productive backfields and elite special teams units.
At Kentucky:
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2023: A running back rushed for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns
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2024: Two running backs finished with nearly 600 yards each
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2025: The Wildcats’ top back surpassed 700 yards with 12 touchdowns
His impact extended well beyond the offense. Under Boulware’s direction, Kentucky ranked:
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No. 13 nationally in kickoff return defense (2025)
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No. 6 nationally in punt return defense (2024)
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No. 15 in net punting and No. 25 in kickoff return defense (2024)
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No. 2 nationally in kickoff return average in 2023, scoring a nation-leading three kickoff return touchdowns
Deep Big 12 Roots and Elite Development Track Record
Boulware’s résumé is as extensive as it is impressive. He has coached at numerous Power 4 programs, including Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Auburn Tigers, Iowa State Cyclones, Utah Utes, Stanford Cardinal, and Arizona Wildcats.
His time at Oklahoma was particularly impactful. Over seven seasons as special teams coordinator and multiple years coaching running backs and tight ends, Boulware:
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Produced 10 special teams touchdowns, a safety, and three returned two-point PATs
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Coached six 1,000-yard running backs
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Helped five running backs earn first- or second-team All-Big 12 honors
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Developed three NFL Draft picks at the position
Before that, he was part of Auburn’s legendary 2010 national championship team, which finished 14-0 and defeated Oregon in the BCS Championship Game.
NFL Exposure and Player Development
Boulware has also spent time at the professional level, assisting with running backs for the Pittsburgh Steelers and completing fellowships with the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers.
Across his career, teams he has coached:
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Appeared in 17 bowl games, including BCS and CFP contests
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Won seven conference championships
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Produced numerous All-Conference, All-American, and NFL Draft selections
A Strong Fit for Rich Rodriguez’s Vision
Boulware’s hiring aligns perfectly with Rodriguez’s offensive philosophy. Rodriguez’s system thrives with disciplined, well-developed running backs who can handle volume, protect the football, and contribute in all phases of the game. Boulware’s history of producing productive backs and elite special teams units fits that vision seamlessly.
Beyond scheme, his experience and credibility provide immediate stability to a position group that has undergone significant turnover. His reputation as a recruiter and developer gives West Virginia a strong presence as it continues to rebuild its offensive identity.
From Player to Coach
A Texas native, Boulware was an all-state selection at Nimitz High School in Irving, Texas, before playing offensive line at Texas. After his playing career was cut short due to a health condition, he transitioned into coaching, beginning as a student coach and graduate assistant with the Longhorns. During that time, Texas won three conference championships and made three bowl appearances.
In 2024, Boulware was inducted into the Irving ISD Athletic Hall of Fame, a testament to his lasting impact on the game.
Looking Ahead
With Jay Boulware now on staff, West Virginia adds experience, credibility, and a championship mindset to its running backs room. As Rich Rodriguez continues to shape the next era of Mountaineer football, this hire represents a clear investment in development, discipline, and winning at the line of scrimmage.
For WVU, it’s not just a hire — it’s a statement.
