MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Following the dismissal of Neal Brown as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, speculation is mounting regarding his potential successors. ESPN has released a list of nine coaches who could be considered for the position, featuring both familiar and fresh names.
One prominent name on the list is Rich Rodriguez, currently the head coach at Jacksonville State. Rodriguez, who previously led West Virginia to notable success with a record of 60-26, is seen by some as a candidate for a triumphant return. At 61 years old, he boasts a solid overall record of 189-129-2 as a head coach and has led Jacksonville State to a commendable 26-10 record, including a chance to compete for a Conference USA title. Though his first exit from West Virginia remains a sore point for some fans, many believe that he could provide the leadership the program needs.
Another interesting contender is Jamey Chadwell, the current head coach at Liberty. With a recent record of 52-10 since 2020 and leading his team to an impressive 13-0 start and a Fiesta Bowl appearance in 2023, Chadwell is a hot name in coaching circles. Despite lacking experience in the Power 4 conferences, his successful track record and innovative offensive strategies make him a candidate to watch.
Jimbo Fisher, a Clarksburg native and former head coach with a national championship title, is also on the radar. Although currently out of coaching and benefiting from a substantial buyout package, Fisher brings with him a wealth of experience and a resume that includes significant accolades. However, his success may heavily depend on his ability to adapt to the resources available at West Virginia.
Barry Odom, the head coach at UNLV, is another candidate gaining attention. His background in the Big 12, although not directly as a coach, combined with a strong defensive approach and success at UNLV (19-7 record) makes him a logical fit as well.
In addition to these prominent names, ESPN’s list includes other notable coaches such as Marshall’s Charles Huff, Miami’s Shannon Dawson, UAB’s Bill Clark, Memphis’s Ryan Silverfield, and Western Kentucky’s Tyson Helton.
WVU’s director of athletics, Wren Baker, reassured supporters in a statement that the search for the Mountaineers’ 36th head football coach is already in motion. He expressed confidence in finding a strong candidate pool thanks to the university’s leadership, dedicated supporters, and historical legacy.
The unfolding developments regarding the coaching search at West Virginia could present an exciting opportunity for the program to forge ahead in a new direction, potentially revitalizing the team’s prospects and legacy in college football.
Looking ahead, fans and stakeholders can remain hopeful that the chosen candidate will not only possess the necessary coaching credentials but also a vision that aligns with the values and aspirations of the Mountaineers community.