Netflix Greenlights Docuseries on WVU Icon Don Nehlen: Reliving a Mountaineer Legacy

When you talk about the history of West Virginia University football, one name immediately rises above the rest: Don Nehlen. From 1980 until his retirement in 2000, Nehlen transformed WVU from a program fighting for national respect into one that consistently stood tall against college football’s best. Now, Netflix has announced a new docuseries dedicated to Nehlen’s remarkable life and career, bringing his story to screens across America and beyond.

For Mountaineer fans, this isn’t just another sports documentary. It’s a chance to relive an era that defined what it meant to wear the gold and blue.

A Legacy Written in Wins and Grit

Nehlen compiled 149 wins, 13 bowl appearances, and two undefeated regular seasons at the helm of West Virginia football. But those numbers only scratch the surface of what he meant to Morgantown. Known for his steady leadership, Nehlen was more than just a coach—he was a builder.

When he arrived in 1980, WVU football wasn’t a national power. Facilities lagged, recruiting lacked consistency, and the program needed a culture shift. Nehlen provided all of that and more. He brought discipline, accountability, and an unwavering belief that West Virginia football could compete with anyone.

That belief paid off in signature moments:

• 1988: WVU stormed to an 11-0 regular season, setting up a Fiesta Bowl clash with Notre Dame for the national championship.
• 1993: The Mountaineers again went undefeated in the regular season, earning another shot at national glory.

Though the ultimate prize slipped away both times, Nehlen had already elevated WVU into the national conversation—a position the program had long craved.

Beyond the Wins: The Man Behind the Program

What makes Nehlen’s story truly compelling—and why Netflix’s docuseries has so much potential—is the man behind the headset.

Nehlen wasn’t flashy, but he was authentic. He embraced the underdog mentality that resonates so deeply with West Virginians. He believed in hard work, character, and loyalty. Players often speak of him not just as a coach, but as a mentor who taught lessons that carried well beyond the football field.

The docuseries is expected to highlight Nehlen’s personal values, the bonds he formed with players, and the pride he instilled in a state often overlooked on the national stage.

A Story Made for Netflix

Sports documentaries have surged in popularity in recent years, with series like The Last Dance (Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls) and Untold shining new light on familiar stories. Netflix sees Nehlen’s journey as fitting into that same mold—an inspiring narrative of perseverance, vision, and community impact.

But what makes this project unique is its focus on West Virginia. This isn’t just a football story; it’s a cultural story. The docuseries will explore how Nehlen gave West Virginians a national platform to showcase their passion and pride. From the 60,000-strong crowds at Milan Puskar Stadium to the coal towns that rallied around the Mountaineers, the project will capture how football became woven into the state’s identity.

The Perfect Timing

The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better. WVU is currently investing heavily in its football program—most recently unveiling plans for a $350 million stadium renovation. At the same time, college football itself is undergoing major changes with conference realignments, NIL deals, and expanded playoffs.

By revisiting Nehlen’s era, the docuseries offers perspective on how far the sport has come—and how timeless leadership and culture still matter more than ever.

What Fans Can Expect

While Netflix has yet to release official details on episode count or release date, early reports suggest the docuseries will combine archival footage, exclusive interviews with former players and coaches, and behind-the-scenes insights from Nehlen himself. Fans can anticipate stories from Mountaineer greats like Major Harris, Amos Zereoué, and other legends who helped define WVU football under Nehlen’s leadership.

For longtime fans, it will be a nostalgic trip back to the golden years. For newer generations, it will be an introduction to the man who put West Virginia football on the national stage.

Closing Thoughts

Don Nehlen’s story isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about vision, resilience, and the unshakable bond between a team, a coach, and an entire state. Netflix’s decision to spotlight him is a recognition of the fact that some stories are bigger than sports—they are about legacy.

As Mountaineer fans eagerly await the release, one thing is certain: the world is about to discover why Don Nehlen will forever be a legend in Morgantown.