Anthony Becht Reveals Coaching Aspirations, Why He Prefers CFB Over NFL

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Anthony Becht spent most of his return to West Virginia reuniting with old teammates and coaches and watching his son lead Iowa State to a win, but he also broke some news about the future of his coaching career.

Becht discussed his aspirations to coach in college football over the NFL while talking with Mike Asti of WV Sports Now in the press box prior to kickoff on Saturday night.

After hearing Becht bring up his plans to “get where I want to be” as far as furthering his coaching career, Asti then asked if he was alluding to wanting to coach in the NFL. Becht replied by correcting that thought and saying he’s actually striving to coach in college football.

“No, I’ve had opportunities to go the NFL and I’ve passed. Right now for me, college coach is where I want to be. I want to be a head coach in college.” He then gave a “we’ll see” when asked if he’d be willing to go the assistant route and work his way up within the college ranks.

Becht said he feels he can have more of an impact on kids coaching in college and sees college football as a better fit for his coaching style. As far as coaching as a professional, Becht has served as head coach of the St. Louis Battlehawks for the past two season, guiding the franchise through a transition from the XFL to the UFL.

With his allegiances likely split, WVU honored Becht early on during their Coal Rush game.

While the rest of the 2024 inductees to the WVU Sports Hall of Fame were celebrated earlier in the season, Becht received his moment in front of packed stadium and with his son, Iowa State quarterback Rocco, in town.

Becht is one of eight members of the 20224 class along with Chris Brooks (men’s basketball), Bob Donker (men’s cross country and track & field), Bette Hushla (swimming), Mark Landers (baseball), Rasheed Marshall (football), Adrian Murrell (football) and Liz Repella (women’s basketball). This class brings the total number of WVU Sports Hall of Famers to 237.

Anthony Becht, who played football from 1996-99, finished his Mountaineer career second in tight end receptions (83) and tight end receiving yardage (1,178).

Becht was selected as the 27^th overall pick in the first round by the New York Jets in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played 11 seasons over 12 years at tight end in the NFL for the Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. From 2000-10, he played in 161 straight games, trailing only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning in that span.

Find more coverage of Anthony Becht at WV Sports Now.

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