West Virginia football is on the lookout for its next leader, and a name that has been making waves is Tim Albin. Hailing from Oklahoma but with a deep understanding of the Appalachian region, Albin currently leads the Ohio Bobcats to remarkable success. Let's delve into why he might be the perfect fit for the Mountaineers.

Why Albin Fits the Mold

Historic Success at Ohio

Before Tim Albin's arrival, the Ohio Bobcats were perennial non-competitors in the MAC. Under the guidance of legendary coach Frank Solich and with Albin as an assistant, the Bobcats transformed into a consistent conference contender. Since taking the reins after Solich's retirement, Albin has continued and even expanded this success. With a 33-19 record over four seasons and consecutive 10-win seasons, Albin has proven his ability to lead a program to new heights.Just this year, he led the Bobcats to a 38-3 win over Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship, marking their third consecutive 10-win season. This is a remarkable feat considering the Bobcats had only won 10 games five times in their 130-year history before Albin's tenure.

Proven Winner at Different Levels

Albin is not only a successful coach at the Group of 5 level but also has a proven track record at the NAIA level. In the 1990s, he led Northwest Oklahoma State to a 25-8 record over three seasons, including a 13-0 record and an NAIA National Championship in 1999. This experience shows his ability to adapt and succeed in different competitive environments.At West Virginia, both the women's basketball coach Mark Kellogg and the men's basketball coach Darian DeVries have had success in their limited stints. Kellogg was a proven winner at the D2 level with two national runner-up seasons and at mid-major Stephen F. Austin. DeVries spent nearly two decades as an assistant under elite college basketball coaches before becoming a proven winner at mid-major Drake. Albin's similar background gives him an edge in understanding the expectations and challenges of leading a college program.

Defense and Staffing Expertise

Despite being an offensive-minded coach, Albin has had stout defenses under multiple defensive coordinators. This is a crucial aspect for West Virginia fans who have been longing for a coach who can improve the team's defense, which was ranked amongst the worst nationally in numerous categories.Albin also knows how to work the transfer portal and hire a staff. After the 2023 season, when the Bobcats' roster was depleted, he re-loaded well enough to secure another 10-win season with limited resources. This shows his ability to make the most of what he has and build a competitive team.

Connection to the Appalachian Region

Ohio University is situated in Athens, Ohio, a small college city similar in size to Morgantown and located in the heart of the Appalachian foothills. Albin understands the culture of this region and a college city like Morgantown. He also brings connections to the fertile recruiting grounds of Ohio, which could be a significant advantage for West Virginia.

Cost-Effective Option

Currently, Albin earns just $700,000/year to coach the Bobcats. This means he will demand a fraction of the money that a big hire would likely require. For a program like West Virginia, which is often looking to manage its budget, this is a significant factor.Just look at other successful hires in the Power 4 landscape. Curt Cignetti took the Indiana job from a Group of 5 program and has led the Hoosiers to an 11-1 record in his first year despite being under-resourced in the Big 10. Lance Leipold was a proven winner at the D3 level and at Buffalo in the MAC before excelling at turning Kansas around, and Chris Klieman made the jump to the Big 12 straight from the FCS and was a proven winner there as well.It's clear that Albin is a coach who knows how to win and lead a successful program. West Virginia fans should hope that Athletic Director Wren Baker is willing to take a chance on him, just as he did on Kellogg and DeVries.