WVU’s Lesley Confirms Permanent Move to the Press Box.
After West Virginia’s 38-14 victory over Oklahoma State, defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley was encouraged by a fan to stay in the press box during games. He responded, “I plan to.”
Three weeks earlier, after a disappointing fourth-quarter performance against Pitt, Lesley expressed to head coach Neal Brown his desire to move from the sidelines to the press box, a change he had contemplated before.
At the beginning of the season, he wanted to get acclimated to new college football changes, such as the use of communication devices and tablets. However, he realized that the operational differences from the previous year weren’t significant.
Lesley acknowledges the advantages of being in the press box, particularly the improved visibility, and Brown believes the calmer environment aids in better decision-making. “Being up high allows you to see more clearly than on the field,” Brown noted. “It also helps remove emotional distractions, allowing for more organized thinking between plays.”
Lesley agrees, stating that the perspective from above enables a broader view of the game and helps position players more effectively. “You can anticipate plays better when you’re not caught up in the chaos of the sidelines,” he explained.
Since moving to the press box, West Virginia’s defense has shown marked improvement, limiting passing yards significantly in recent games. They reduced their average from 280.7 yards allowed per game in the first three games to 243.4 yards per game heading into the matchup against Iowa State. The defense has also recorded several interceptions, showcasing their enhanced performance.
While Lesley recognizes that his position isn’t the sole reason for the defense’s success, he appreciates the new perspective it offers. He pointed out the distractions of crowd noise on the field, which can be mitigated from the press box.
Though he misses the emotional connection and eye contact with players that comes from being on the sidelines, Lesley understands the importance of the strategic overview that the press box provides. “I enjoy the excitement of the sideline, but seeing the bigger picture is crucial,” he said. With fewer distractions, Lesley is now better equipped to guide his defense as they continue to improve.
