Joe DeForest took too much blame for the Mountaineers

He was the prototypical fall guy. But did he really deserve it?

Joe DeForest came to West Virginia in 2012 as the defensive coordinator. He was tight with Dana Holgorsen at Oklahoma State from 2001-11, making the relationship even stronger when they joined forces at WVU.

At first, it wasn’t a match made in Almost Heaven.

The Mountaineers defense surrendered 472.5 yards of total offense in 13 games, with 37 points given up per outing. That poor showing in a 7-6 season, and loss to Syracuse in the Pinstripe Bowl, DeForest was demoted.

In his new role, DeForest handled special teams. Which drew even more ire from fans than when he was in charge of the defense.

Any muffed punt, botched kick off return or long gain by the opposition was blamed on DeForest.

Some of the criticism was warranted, but he wasn’t physically out there failing on special teams. But, he may have had the wrong personnel out there in poor formations.

What DeForest needs credit for is the play of the WVU safeties, as that was a position he also coached. The Mountaineers secondary played outstanding this season, as did the entire defense.

DeForest should be lauded for the progression of players like Karl Joseph, Dravon Askew-Henry and Jarrod Harper.

Even on special teams, DeForest had bright stars like Mario Alford and KJ Dillon returning kicks.

Was he really that bad of a coach? I don’t think so.

But, he was still not tenured a contract, along with defensive line coach Damon Cogdell.

Like WVU’s newest coach, offensive coordinator Joe Wickline, DeForest didn’t come to WVU without a troubling backstory. Wickline was being sued by Oklahoma State and, wouldn’t you know, DeForest ran into some issues at OSU as well.

DeForest was investigated for fraud and illegal benefits with Cowboys recruits from a program called the “Orange Pride.” The probe into DeForest’s involvement with the program was found to be inaccurate, so he was relieved of any wrongdoing.

However, currently, he was relieved of his duties for the Mountaineers. DeForest, like any college football coach, has a certain fire about him and has had success in the past. He had success in 2015, as WVU finished the season 8-5 with one of the nation’s top defenses.

DeForest will undoubtedly land back on his feet with a strong program.

He came to WVU, in the first place, with a solid connection with Holgorsen. His replacement, Matt Caponi, comes to West Virginia with a strong connection with current defensive coordinator Tony Gibson.

[https://hailwv.com/2016/01/14/matt-caponi-to-join-west-virginia-football-staff/=”#” teaser=”Matt Caponi to join West Virginia football staff?”]