Kirelawich, affectionately known as “Coach Kirlav,” spent 32 years on the WVU staff from 1979 to 2011, making him the longest-serving assistant coach in the program’s history. During that span, he was part of 23 bowl appearances, including the Mountaineers’ 2012 Orange Bowl victory over Clemson, one of the most memorable wins in school history.
Local Beginnings at Cardinal Brennan
Before his long tenure in Morgantown, Kirelawich built a foundation at Cardinal Brennan High School in Fountain Springs, where he served as head coach from 1970 to 1978. He guided nine players to Division I scholarships, and his 1975 Chargers team finished ranked No. 10 in Pennsylvania, putting the small Schuylkill County program on the map.
Defensive Mastermind at WVU
Kirelawich joined Frank Cignetti’s staff in 1979 and became a defensive line coach under Don Nehlen the following year. Over three decades, he coached under four different WVU head coaches — Nehlen, Rich Rodriguez, Bill Stewart, and Dana Holgorsen — and helped shape some of the toughest defenses in program history.
In 1996, his defense ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense, while later units consistently finished among the nation’s best. In 2010, he earned national recognition as FootballScoop.com’s Defensive Line Coach of the Year, with Bruce Irvin finishing second in the country in sacks.
Producing Stars and NFL Talent
Kirelawich coached five All-Americans, including Johnny Dingle, Bruce Irvin, Chris Neild, John Thornton, and Henry Slay. He also mentored numerous players who went on to NFL careers, such as Renaldo Turnbull, Irvin, and Thornton, while recruiting future stars like Steve Slaton, Anthony Becht, and Kevin White.
Lifelong Legacy
As a player, Kirelawich was a standout linebacker at Salem College, where he still holds the school record for the longest interception return (89 yards). He was inducted into the Salem Hall of Fame in 2006, adding to a career full of milestones.