Dave Bruney enters his second season as a member of Zac Bruney's Coaching Staff in 2024. He will serve as the team's Running Backs Coach, the same role he took on during the 2023 season.
In 2023, Bruney was an important part of the Cardinal's running back development, with seven different players rushing for 100 or more yards on the season. His unit would average 151.20 yards per game and had 1,512 total rushing yards on the season. He helped lead a group that set the single-game rushing record with 281 yards in the team's 58-3 win over West Virginia Wesleyan in their Homecoming game.He also helped lead running back Elijah Young to his first All-MEC honor, earning Honorable Mention All-MEC honors.
Prior to Wheeling, Bruney has had a very decorated career at the High School level, leading Martin's Ferry High School for 39 seasons. He is a member of the Ohio High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, finishing his Head Coaching Career with a 284-135 record. 275 of those wins came with the Purple Raiders, who he helped guide to 14 playoff berths, including a regional championship during the 2004 season. He also helped the Purple Raiders pick up six OVAC Championships during his tenure.
At the time of his retirement, the Martins Ferry High School Football field was officially named after him as "The Dave Bruney Football Complex." He is the father of current Wheeling University Head Football Coach Zac Bruney.
