Jordan Lesley is in his first year as the defensive coordinator at West Virginia, and he coaches the outside linebackers as well. As the program is building its culture and looking to make its mark as one of the top teams in the Big 12 and in the nation, a big part of the overall build is surrounded by the defense and Lesley’s group has played at a high level during his tenure, especially during the past two; years as the defensive lead at WVU. He brought a lot of outstanding experience when he came to Morgantown in 2019 and in his first year led his defensive line to marked improvement, becoming one of the best lines in the Big 12 Conference. Late in the 2020 offseason while in quarantine during COVID-19, the defensive coordinator at the time, left the University, forcing the entire defensive staff to pick up added responsibility. Lesley and cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae were put in charge of overseeing the defense – Lesley the front end and Addae the back end. Lesley handled the oversight of the game plan, having the final say of the defensive unit. WVU’s defense was one of the top Power 5 defenses in 2020, earning the distinction of one of the most improved defenses in the nation and being among the Top defensive units in several categories. At the end of the 2020 season, Lesley was promoted to defensive coordinator and heading into the 2021 season, high expectations were expected from his defense. His unit underwent loses, including its top two
players to the NFL draft and two more important figures to transfer. Lesley’s defense has held its own in 2021, ranking among the top units of the Big 12, a league that is now known for its tough defenses. The Big 12 Conference was always known as an offense-only conference, but that trademark has certainly changed thanks to defenses such as WVUs. The WVU defensive trademark under Lesley is a tough, blue-collar and physical play with an ability to be a very opportunistic unit. The Gold and Blue defense will throw a variety of looks at opposing offenses trying to confuse and cause frustration and then forcing them into making mistakes. Because of Lesley’s years of successful experience, coaching nationally ranked defenses, player development and the leadership he has shown to the overall development of the Unit, he should be considered as one of the best assistant coaches in the country.
