West Virginia assistant coach Noel Devine has been placed on indefinite leave following his arrest Sunday on a felony strangulation charge. Devine, who is also a former star running back for the university, was booked into the North Central Regional Jail at 12:45 p.m., according to reports.
The arrest occurred less than a day after West Virginia’s 52-7 victory over UT Martin. Devine's bond was set at $40,000.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez confirmed Devine's suspension in a statement. "Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff," Rodriguez said. "Any future decision on his status will be determined after more information becomes available."
Devine, 38, joined Rodriguez's staff as an assistant running backs coach and offensive analyst last season. He is the all-time leader in all-purpose yards for West Virginia.
After leaving West Virginia, Devine went undrafted in 2011 and signed with the Eagles, but departed the team within a week. He later played multiple seasons in the Canadian Football League before returning to Florida to found a speed training company. Rodriguez hired him last year, citing his knowledge of Mountaineer football and his potential as an asset to the offensive side of the ball.