INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University head football coach John Pennington announced the hiring of four new coaches on Tuesday afternoon. The positions hired include a co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, an offensive line coach, a defensive line coach, and a tight ends coach.

"I'm thrilled to announce the hiring of four new coaches for our 2022 football staff," exclaimed Pennington. "All four fit our culture and know that our primary focus at WVSU Football is to develop young men into leaders.  

"We replaced our entire offensive staff and have a refreshing new energy thanks to some enthusiastic coaches! They have all hit the ground running and are adding tremendous value to our program."

Former Glenville State star running back Rahmann Lee was hired as the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach. Lee was the Offensive Coordinator at ASA College in Miami, Fla. for two seasons and was the Running Backs Coach and Video Coordinator at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for two seasons before that. He also worked as a Graduate Assistant at North Carolina Central University coaching both wide receivers and defensive backs. 

"Coach Lee was a dominant skill player in the MEC a few years ago and has really elevated the play of our wide receivers already through his leadership and experience," said Pennington.  

WVSU alum and former Marine Andrew Workman was asked to come back as the Offensive Line Coach after stints at Huntington High School and Guilford College. Workman was a Student Assistant on the West Virginia State coaching staff from 2018 through 2020. He joined the Huntington High School coaching staff upon graduation and trained their offensive line until he was offered a position as the Offensive Line Coach at Guilford College in June of last year.

"Coach Workman's military background and strong leadership is evident when you watch how our offensive line plays the game now," remarked Pennington.

B.J. Buckle joins the WVSU coaching staff as the Defensive Line Coach after serving as a Graduate Assistant at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Buckle played on the defensive line at Division I FCS Wagner College for four years prior.

"Coach Buckle has quickly integrated himself into the Yellow Jacket football family and has a bright future in coaching," commented Pennington.

Former WVSU quarterback Drew Chance will have his first opportunity in coaching as the new Tight Ends Coach. Chance transferred from Illinois College in 2020 and played in seven games after joining the Yellow Jackets.

"Coach Chance understands our offense inside and out and has a real knack for comprehending offensive football," mentioned Pennington.

All four new coaches will be active for the Black & Gold Spring Game on Thursday, April, 28th. The intersquad scrimmage is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. on Lakin-Ray Field.