“WVU Lands New Athletic Director Shane Lyons” (2025)
In a move that has excited both the West Virginia University community and the broader world of collegiate athletics, WVU has announced the return of Shane Lyons as its new athletic director in 2025. After a two-year absence, Lyons, who previously served as the university’s AD from 2015 to 2023, has come back to helm the Mountaineers’ sports programs at a time of significant transition. His return is expected to usher in a new era of growth and success for the university’s athletic department, which has faced challenges in recent years.
Lyons’ Return: A Vision for the Future
Shane Lyons’ appointment as athletic director comes after a period of uncertainty for the WVU athletic department. Following his departure in 2023, WVU experienced a transitional phase marked by changes in leadership, including the hiring of new coaches, restructuring within the department, and a rethinking of the university’s athletic strategy. Now, with Lyons back at the helm, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding Mountaineer athletics.
Lyons’ leadership is seen as a key stabilizing force during a period of growth and expansion for college athletics, especially as schools across the nation continue to navigate shifting conference alignments, changing media rights deals, and increased competition for top-tier recruits. The Mountaineers, who remain a strong presence in the Big 12 Conference, are hoping that Lyons’ expertise in navigating these waters will help secure a bright future for WVU’s athletic programs.
“I am thrilled to be returning to WVU at such an exciting time for Mountaineer athletics,” said Lyons in a statement following his hire. “The passion and commitment of our fans, alumni, and student-athletes are unmatched, and together, we will continue to build upon the proud legacy of West Virginia University. We will focus on academic and athletic excellence, creating opportunities for success both on and off the field.”
A Track Record of Success
Shane Lyons’ first tenure as athletic director at WVU was marked by several key accomplishments. He played an instrumental role in West Virginia’s transition to the Big 12 Conference, ensuring that the university’s athletic programs were ready for the competitive challenges of one of the premier Power Five conferences. This included overseeing facility upgrades, improving financial stability, and boosting WVU’s recruiting efforts in both football and basketball.
Under Lyons’ leadership, WVU also saw improvements in many of its other athletic programs, including volleyball, soccer, and track and field. Lyons was known for his commitment to developing a well-rounded athletic department, one that prioritized both success in competition and the holistic development of student-athletes. His ability to foster strong relationships with coaches, university administration, and external stakeholders helped solidify the Mountaineers’ position as a competitive force across a variety of sports.
One of Lyons’ crowning achievements came in 2020 when he secured a multi-million-dollar renovation of Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. This renovation was critical for the football program, as it not only improved the fan experience but also helped attract top recruits to the program. Additionally, Lyons oversaw improvements to other facilities, including the WVU Coliseum, home to the Mountaineers’ men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
The appointment of Lyons comes at a time when WVU’s athletic department faces several challenges, including the evolving landscape of college athletics. With conference realignment continuing to reshape the college sports world, Lyons will need to navigate the changing landscape of the Big 12, as well as manage the financial implications of major broadcasting deals and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities for student-athletes.
Perhaps most importantly, Lyons will be tasked with stabilizing the WVU football program, which has seen a period of ups and downs in recent years. Following the departure of former head coach Dana Holgorsen in 2018 and the arrival of Neal Brown in 2019, the Mountaineers have struggled to maintain consistent success in the Big 12. Although Brown has made some strides, the team has yet to break through to the top tier of the conference. Lyons will need to continue supporting the football program in its efforts to rebuild and achieve sustained success.
Similarly, the WVU men’s basketball program, led by legendary coach Bob Huggins, has seen its fair share of success, but the team has been inconsistent in recent NCAA Tournament appearances. Lyons’ return is seen as a stabilizing force that can help build upon the foundation Huggins has created and elevate the program back to the national stage.
Focusing on Holistic Development
One of the hallmarks of Lyons’ leadership is his commitment to the overall development of student-athletes. This includes not only helping them achieve athletic success but also ensuring they have access to top-tier academic support and career development opportunities. Under his leadership, WVU is expected to place a renewed emphasis on athlete well-being, mental health support, and community engagement.
“I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built here at WVU,” said Lyons. “It’s about more than wins and losses—our student-athletes are developing into leaders both on the field and in the community. We want to continue to empower them to be successful in all aspects of their lives, preparing them for life after graduation, whether that’s in professional sports or any other career they choose.”
Lyons also plans to focus on enhancing fan engagement, revitalizing season ticket sales, and fostering stronger relationships between WVU athletics and the university’s broader alumni base. With the growing importance of digital media and streaming services in sports, Lyons understands the need for WVU to adapt its marketing and outreach efforts to ensure the Mountaineers remain a national presence in college athletics.
Looking to the Future: A Vision of Growth and Success
Looking ahead, Shane Lyons’ vision for WVU athletics includes not only continued excellence in competition but also long-term financial sustainability and growth. He intends to expand WVU’s branding and marketing efforts, increase revenue through corporate partnerships, and explore new opportunities to make the university’s athletic programs more competitive both regionally and nationally.
Additionally, Lyons recognizes the importance of maintaining WVU’s proud traditions while embracing the changes that come with the evolving landscape of college sports. His experience and connections with the NCAA and other college athletic organizations will be crucial as WVU navigates the complexities of conference realignment, NIL deals, and media rights agreements.
“As we look toward the future, we are committed to not only competing for championships but also providing our student-athletes with the best opportunities to succeed,” Lyons said. “This includes fostering an environment where excellence is the expectation, but where each individual is supported and nurtured to reach their fullest potential.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter for WVU Athletics
Shane Lyons’ return to West Virginia University as athletic director is a significant moment for the Mountaineers. With his proven track record, leadership, and vision for the future, Lyons is poised to lead WVU into the next phase of its athletic development. Whether in football, basketball, or other sports, Lyons’ return brings renewed hope for Mountaineer Nation as they look to build on past successes and create a lasting legacy of excellence for years to come.
