SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Bill Stewart was promoted to head football coach at West Virginia on Thursday, hours after leading the Mountaineers to a stunning victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl.
Stewart was introduced as head coach in the morning as he and his team were preparing to return home. He was appointed interim coach in mid-December after Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan.
Stewart’s five-year contract will pay him $800,000 a year with incentives.
“Last night, we saw all the characteristics of a head football coach — leadership, loyalty, courage,” athletic director Ed Pastilong said less than 12 hours after the 48-28 victory by the No. 11 Mountaineers.
Stewart said late Wednesday he hadn’t even been interviewed for the job.
“I don’t have a lot of experience in these negotiations and things. That’s my agent right down there,” he said, pointing to his wife, Karen.
Stewart had the backing of the team, including Pat White. The quarterback began stumping for Stewart on the field after running for 150 yards and throwing for 176 and two touchdowns in the victory over the No. 3 Sooners.
“He deserves it,” White said. “A great man. A great coach. All the players respect him and all the players love him. You couldn’t ask for a better man to lead us to victory today.”
Pastilong said Stewart proved he deserved the promotion.
“He obtained this position the old fashioned way — he earned it,” Pastilong said. “Billy led us to our biggest football victory in the school’s history against Oklahoma. And he, his coaching staff and his support staff are outstanding Mountaineers, leading us through a tough time. Our future is bright, and we look forward to even more success under coach Stewart’s leadership.”
WVU president Mike Garrison said Stewart fully appreciates the school.
“At this university, loyalty and trust are important,” Garrison said. “We know we now have a coach who truly values the opportunity to work as the head football coach at West Virginia University.”
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