Jahmile Addae: A Rising Star Could Be Logical Choice for WVU’s Next Assistant Head Coach in 2026…

Jahmile Addae: A Rising Star Could Be Logical Choice for WVU’s Next Assistant Head Coach in 2026…

 

As West Virginia University looks to fortify its football program heading into the future, one name continues to rise to the top of the conversation for the assistant head coach role in 2026: Jahmile Addae. A former Mountaineer standout and now an increasingly respected coach at both the collegiate and professional levels, Addae’s resume and deep ties to Morgantown make him a logical and potentially game-changing candidate.

Deep WVU Roots

Addae’s connection to West Virginia runs deep. He was a cornerstone of the Mountaineer secondary from 2001 to 2005, earning All-Big East honors and captaining the defense with a relentless energy and football IQ that made him a fan favorite. He still shares the school record for most pass breakups in a single game—an early indicator of the instincts and competitive edge that would define his playing and coaching careers.

After a brief stint in the NFL, Addae turned to coaching, steadily climbing the ranks. His return to WVU in 2019 as the cornerbacks coach marked a turning point for the team’s secondary, helping players like Tykee Smith and Keith Washington II achieve All-Big 12 honors and anchoring a pass defense that was among the best in the conference.

Coaching Pedigree

Beyond Morgantown, Addae has built a strong national reputation. His 2021 season at Georgia saw him contribute to one of the most dominant defenses in college football history and a national championship win. That success led to a position at the University of Miami, where he improved the Hurricanes’ secondary and brought discipline and development to a young defensive unit.

In 2024, Addae made the leap to the NFL, joining the Buffalo Bills as their cornerbacks coach. The move proved his versatility and appeal across multiple levels of football—a trait that few rising coaches can claim.

Leadership and Culture Fit

More than just a tactician, Addae brings strong leadership skills and an intrinsic understanding of WVU’s football culture. He embodies the grit, blue-collar work ethic, and loyalty that Mountaineer football is built upon. As an assistant head coach, his experience as both a player and coach at WVU would allow him to mentor young athletes with a unique blend of authority and relatability.

With the current staff likely to evolve in the next couple of years, WVU would benefit from Addae’s ability to bridge generations of Mountaineer football while injecting fresh energy and professionalism into the program.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 season may represent a pivotal moment for WVU football—a time to double down on identity, recruiting, and competitiveness. In that context, Jahmile Addae stands out not just as a feel-good choice but as a logical one. He’s experienced, ambitious, loyal to the program, and battle-tested on some of the sport’s biggest stages.

If West Virginia is serious about building a lasting contender, bringing Addae back in a leadership role could be the move that signals the next great chapter of Mountaineer football.