Koenning Will Not Return

Morgantown, West Virginia – Moments ago, in a press release from West Virginia University, defensive coordinator Vic Koenning and the university have “mutually agreed to part ways.”

Koenning had been on leave since June 23, when Mountaineers safety Kerry Martin, Jr., accused him of mistreatment.

Koenning had $1.074 million and two years remaining on his contract; WVU will pay him $591,451 over the next 19 months.

“I remain apologetic to anyone who perceived something I said or did as hurtful. That was never my intent,” Koenning said. I wish to thank all the current and former players, coaches and colleagues – of all different ethnicities and backgrounds – whose support and encouragement have been invaluable to me and my family. I am relieved the process is over but will be forever changed by the experience. Personally, I’d love to get back to coaching our guys, but I know that doing so would create additional scrutiny and lingering distractions for our program. Taking all this into consideration, we have come to this mutual decision to separate. I will always be grateful for the relationships formed with so many players, coaches and WVU supporters. I am not done coaching. I remain passionate about leading young men and look forward to the next coaching chapter in my life. I wish nothing but the best for all Mountaineers.”

“As I’ve stated previously, I care deeply about Vic and every player, coach, staff member, and administrator who touches our program,” said WVU AD Shane Lyons. “This decision was not made lightly and both parties agree that it places us in the best position to positively move forward. Vic has meant a lot to this program over the past 18 months and to me, personally, for our time together both here and at Troy University. I know that Vic will find continued success as a coach. However, Vic and I both reached the conclusion that the current circumstances make continuing in his role as Defensive Coordinator challenging. At the end of the day, we all – Vic included – want what is best for our program.”