Nehlen has heart surgery
Former West Virginia University football coach Don Nehlen is resting comfortably at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown after a triple bypass Tuesday. Doctors decided the 72-year-old Nehlen needed the surgery after routine testing.
Son-in-law Jeff Hostetler released this statement Wednesday morning:
“Contrary to published reports, my father-in-law had no symptoms. During some routine testing, the discovery of the need for triple bypass surgery became apparent. The surgery by Dr. Jose Cruzzavala took place Tuesday morning. Recovery is going well. We appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers, and we also appreciate everyone respecting our family’s privacy during this time. We are looking forward to a speedy recovery, getting him back on the golf course and rooting for the Mountaineers.”
Nehlen is the winningest coach in WVU history with a 149-93-4 record, including two undefeated seasons in 1988 and 1993. Nehlen retired after the 2000 season, winning his final game in the Music City Bowl. A past president of the American Football Coaches Association, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.