Mountaineer Pride: Netflix’s Tribute to Don Nehlen and the Rise of WVU Football

Netflix has announced the release of a new documentary, Mountaineer Pride: The Don Nehlen Legacy, set to premiere on August 15, 2025. This film delves into the storied career of Don Nehlen, the legendary head coach who transformed West Virginia University’s football program into a national contender. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Rory Karpf and produced by NFL Films, the documentary offers an intimate look at Nehlen’s 21-year tenure, highlighting his victories, enduring legacy, and profound impact on the Mountaineers program. 

A Coach Who Changed the Game

Don Nehlen took the reins of the WVU football program in 1980, inheriting a team that had suffered four consecutive losing seasons. Over the next two decades, he amassed a 149-93-4 record at West Virginia, becoming the program’s winningest coach. His career achievements include 202 total victories (including his time at Bowling Green), 13 bowl game appearances, two undefeated regular seasons in 1988 and 1993, and a Big East title in 1993. In recognition of his contributions, Nehlen was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Inside the Documentary

Mountaineer Pride offers unprecedented access to Nehlen’s archives, featuring exclusive footage from defining moments in his career. Viewers will witness the 1981 Peach Bowl upset over Florida, the 1982 victory against No. 9 Oklahoma, and the 1984 wins over Doug Flutie’s Boston College and Penn State, ending a 29-year drought. The documentary also revisits the Major Harris-led 1988 undefeated season and the 1993 perfect regular season, culminating in a 49-7 rout of Temple.

Produced by NFL Films, known for Hard Knocks, the documentary includes locker room speeches, practice sessions, and personal correspondence, showcasing Nehlen’s strategic genius and emotional moments. Interviews with former players like Major Harris, Marc Bulger, Jeff Hostetler, and Avon Cobourne, along with assistants like Doc Holliday, reveal Nehlen’s mentorship and lasting influence.

The Flying WV and Cultural Impact

A centerpiece of Nehlen’s legacy is the “Flying WV” logo, introduced in 1980 with new uniforms and Mountaineer Field’s opening. The documentary details how Nehlen collaborated with designers to create this iconic symbol, now the official logo of WVU athletics and the university itself. Nehlen humorously regrets giving the logo to the athletic department, joking he could’ve “bought Channel 5” with royalties.

Why This Documentary Matters

Mountaineer Pride is more than a recounting of games and seasons; it’s a celebration of a coach who built a powerhouse, designed an iconic logo, and embodied West Virginia’s spirit. The documentary captures the fervor of Milan Puskar Stadium and fans’ pride in Nehlen, immortalized in 2023 on the Diversified Energy Terrace alongside legends like Major Harris and Sam Huff. It serves as a salute to Mountaineer Nation, ensuring Nehlen’s legacy endures for future generations.

Conclusion

As the August 15 release date approaches, Mountaineer Pride is generating buzz among fans eager to relive the Nehlen era. This documentary promises to be a must-watch for college football enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive look at the man who transformed WVU football and left an indelible mark on the sport.