As reported earlier, West Virginia’s Wide Receiver Coach Xavier Dye left for the same position at the University of South Florida. Head Coach Neal Brown was quick to thank Dye for his contributions to West Virginia and said the search for a replacement would begin immediately.
“I want to thank Xavier Dye for his contributions to WV football over the last 10 months. We wish him the best as he reunites with close friend and mentor Jeff Scott. Our search has already begun as we seek to find a dynamic teacher to lead our talented young WR core.”
Our search has already begun as we seek to find a dynamic teacher to lead our talented young WR core. (2/2) #TrustTheClimb
— Neal Brown (@NealBrown_WVU) December 21, 2019
Dye was an outstanding recruiter and fantastic coach for the Mountaineers, and him leaving the program would typically be a big loss for the football program. However, there is a former West Virginia football player out there that would make the transition to a new wide receiver’s coach seamless.
Stedman Bailey. Bailey, a former first team Big East selection, first team All-American in 2012, who finished his college career at West Virginia University with the gaudy 210 receptions, 3,218 yards and 41 touchdowns in three seasons, would make the absolute perfect replacement for Dye as the new wide receivers coach for the Mountaineers.
Bailey set the Mountaineer single season record for receiving yardage (1,279 yards) and tied the school record for most touchdown receptions (12) in a single season. His career receiving yards rank 13th in Division I football all-time. Bailey went on to be drafted in the 3rd round by the then-St. Louis Rams.
Bailey’s NFL career was cut short after he was shot multiple times in the head while sitting in a car with his family. Although the assailants were never apprehended, Bailey survived the attack and eventually attempted an NFL comeback. Although this attempt came up short, Bailey is a survivor and the newly open wide receivers coach position is the perfect opportunity for him to get back into football.
Born and raised in Miramar, Florida, Stedman Bailey would immediately re-open the Miramar to West Virginia pipeline that brought the Mountaineers Geno Smith, Ivan McCartney, Yodny Cajuste, as well as Bailey. Bailey knows Florida football and at only 29 years of age would be relatable to young players.
Not only is Bailey one of West Virginia’s best wide receivers ever, he will also make an outstanding recruiter and representative of our university. Although there are likely many great potential replacements out there (see: Clint Trickett, current tight ends coach at FAU and former WVU quarterback), Neal Brown should be on the phone with Stedman Bailey to make him the new Wide Receivers Coach at West Virginia University immediately.
