MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Hall of Fame running back Noel Devine has been arrested and charged with strangulation.
Devine, 38, serves as an assistant running backs coach and offensive analyst at WVU, a role he’s held since 2025.
WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez announced Sunday night Devine is on leave.
“Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “Any future decision on his status will be determined after more information becomes available.”
Devine pleaded not guilty to the felony strangulation charge and was booked Sunday afternoon into the North Central Regional Jail. He’s being held on $40,000 bail.
A preliminary hearing is set for September 23 at 10 a.m.
Devine played for Rodriguez in 2007, starred for the Mountaineers from 2007-10 and compiled a WVU-record 5,761 all-purpose yards in his career.
He is the third-leading rusher in school history with 4,315 yards and was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Devine’s son, Andre Devine, is a current member of the Mountaineer football team.