West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen doesn’t appear to be wasting any time picking up a new assistant coach with the expected departure of Jeff Casteel to Arizona finally coming to fruition today.
Oklahoma State associate head coach, special-teams coordinator and safeties coach Joe DeForest has confirmed to the Tulsa World that he has submitted his resignation to coach Mike Gundy and will join West Virginia’s coaching staff. Holgorsen, of course, came to West Virginia after one year with the Cowboys as their offensive coordinator.
In what official capacity DeForest will join -- the TW reports it could be as defensive coordinator or co-defensive coordinator -- hasn’t been revealed. That announcement is expected Thursday or Friday.
The TW reported earlier Wednesday that DeForest was a candidate for the job.
“It’s always hard to say goodbye,” DeForest told the Tulsa World. “No one ever wants change. Do I want to leave? No, but I have to leave. I have to leave for my family and my career. I’m just trying to advance my career.
“Mike Gundy has been good to me. If it wasn’t for Mike Gundy and (OSU athletic director) Mike Holder, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
DeForest won’t be the only new hire for Holgorsen. WVU cornerbacks coach David Lockwood and defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich joined Casteel at Arizona. Only safeties coach Steve Dunlap remained in Morgantown.