[WVU83]

Stewart just hired some new coaches. I really like the hires. My guess is when Stewart leaves Doc will take the head coaching job.

"Mitch Vingle
Sports Editor

mitchvingle@wvgazette.com

New West Virginia football coach Bill Stewart has landed word from four assistant coaches they will be joining the Mountaineer staff.

Marshall defensive coordinator Steve Dunlap will return to his alma mater as assistant head coach in charge of safeties to work with defensive coordinator Jeff Casteel.

John "Doc'' Holliday will likewise return to his alma mater as associate head coach in charge of tight ends and fullbacks and assume the duties of recruiting coordinator. Holliday has been working with Urban Meyer as associate head coach at Florida.

The new offensive coordinator and coach of quarterbacks will be Charlie Taafe, a former head coach at The Citadel and nationally known OC at Maryland. He just completed his first season as the coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League.

Also joining the staff is ex-WVU standout David Lockwood, who is now the secondary coach at Kentucky. Lockwood is known as a strong recruiter.

Rick Trickett, the offensive line coach at Florida State, will not be joining the staff.

All of the above have accepted the positions but must still fill out the necessary paperwork. Stewart was unavailable for comment.

Dave Hickman contributed to this report."

[WVU-Lifer]

Oh my, i'm so excited i cav hrdly contain myself!! Gigitty Gigitty, OH YEAH!! Still "Doc" leaving UF for a non HC position is strange. Just having declined the HC job at Marshall and proclaiming his loyalty to Urban Meyer! I think something is rotten at UF, thier RB coach boalted to UT just a couple of days ago, for the same position. Whatever, glad top grab DOC, and the others. Great job Stew!!!

[WVU83]

There is nothing rotten at UF.

Here is what I think. After the win in the Fiesta Bowl they knew they had to hire Stewart. Now Stewart has stated this will be his last job. So if he retires in a few years or if he fails then Doc will be the head coach. Remember they did interview him during the coaching search.

Years ago when I was in school I knew Doc fairly well. He was a super person then and I am sure he is much better now. He was my first choice. However, I do think Stewart has earned the chance to succeed or fail. My hopes is he will be successful and that he will retire on his terms.

Oh and for the record UF lost another coach to TN today.

[WVU-Lifer]

There is no doubt in my mind "Doc" will be our next head coach. I am very glad to see him come back. I was just curious as to why 2, now 3 asst's have left so abruptly? Thier loss is our gain! From what i understand, he can recruit Fla. very well!!

[Ziggy]

Chances are there's a lot going on behind the scenes that we are unaware of. Rod's absence probably caused a giant upheaval.

[dprundle]

I'm glad we got Doc.

[Ziggy]

Are unofficial, of course. I heard on the radio this morning that WVU has yet to release a statement regarding this.

[JonnyFiveAlive]

I dunno, its on all the newswires

[Ziggy]

WVU as of this morning hadn't released an official statement yet.

[WVU-Lifer]

It's all over the news in Gainsville as well. Ziggy has a point, nothing official either way! I think he's comin', at least i hope he does. He recruits as well as Locksley from Ill.