If it were up to Stedman Bailey, the former record-breaking West Virginia wide receiver, 2020 will start with him returning to Morgantown as the wide receivers coach for the Mountaineers.
I recently spoke with Bailey and he remains interested in the position. Bailey said about his interest in coaching for the Mountaineers: “I’m expecting a call soon. He (Coach Brown) has my number. Stay tuned, I’m having my agent go ahead and do his professional job and make all necessary calls.”
Bailey went on to say, “If it’s in God’s will, it will happen, but there isn’t much of an update right now. It’s the holiday season and I’m sure Coach Brown is taking this time away to capitalize on family time. I’m pretty positive I’ll at least get a chance to interview and from there we shall see.”
Although he doesn’t have any formal coaching experience, Bailey is 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, and he would make the absolute perfect replacement for Xavier 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.
2020 is going to be a big year for the West Virginia Mountaineers and it’s my hope that Stedman Bailey will lead the young, talented wide receivers corps for years to come.
