West Virginia inside linebackers coach Jeff Koonz on Tuesday replaced Jordan Lesley as the team’s defensive coordinator for the rest of the season.

Koonz last served as a defensive coordinator at Cincinnati in 2016. He has been West Virginia’s inside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator since 2020 under head coach Neal Brown.

“These decisions are never easy, but I’m confident this change is in the best interest of our program and puts us in the best position to finish strong,” Brown said. “Our players have a tremendous opportunity in front of them, and I know they will give their all for WVU. Jeff Koonz will step up and serve as the defensive coordinator moving forward. I know he and our entire staff will do everything they can to help us succeed.”

Lesley, in turn, had held his post since 2020 and was with Brown at Troy since 2016.

The Mountaineers (4-4, 3-2 Big 12) have allowed 99 points over their last three games.

“I met with Coach Lesley this morning and informed him that we are making a change at the defensive coordinator position,” Brown said. “I’m very thankful for the investment Jordan and his family have made in West Virginia football. Jordan has been a key part of my staff for almost a decade. He is a good football coach and a great man. I know he will have much success moving forward, and we will do everything we can to help him on that journey.”

West Virginia, which is idle this week, returns to action on Nov. 9 at Cincinnati.