MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Following the dismissal of Neal Brown as head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, speculation about his replacement is gaining momentum both locally and nationally. ESPN has unveiled a list of nine potential candidates to take the helm at WVU, featuring several names that align with previous discussions, alongside some newcomers that have piqued interest.
One prominent candidate is Rich Rodriguez, currently the coach at Jacksonville State. The prospect of his return is particularly nostalgic for fans, as he previously led the Mountaineers to significant success, including a 60-26 record and top-11 finishes in his final three seasons. At 61 years old, Rodriguez has shown he can still coach effectively, with a current record of 26-10 at Jacksonville State and a chance to clinch the Conference USA title soon.
Another notable contender is Jamey Chadwell, head coach of Liberty. At 47, Chadwell boasts an impressive record of 52-10 since 2020, including a perfect start and a Fiesta Bowl appearance this past season. His lack of experience in a Power 4 conference may raise concerns, but his innovative coaching style might bring a fresh dynamic to the Mountaineers.
Jimbo Fisher, a Clarksburg, West Virginia native, is another name that has surfaced. Currently out of coaching and with significant financial backing from a previous buyout, Fisher’s credentials from his national championship win at Florida State could attract attention. However, his recent coaching stints, including a rough patch at Texas A&M, raise questions about his fit at WVU.
Barry Odom, the head coach at UNLV, has garnered recognition for his defensive prowess and recent success, leading his team to a Mountain West title preview. His familiarity with the coaching landscape makes him a strong option for the Big 12.
In addition to these candidates, ESPN also mentioned Marshall head coach Charles Huff, former WVU offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, UAB’s Bill Clark, Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield, and Western Kentucky’s Tyson Helton as intriguing possibilities.
WVU Athletics Director Wren Baker emphasized a focused approach in the search for the 36th head football coach, stating, “We will keep our focus on the incredible young men in our program and preparing for our bowl game.” Baker expressed confidence in attracting a strong pool of candidates, underscoring the university’s commitment to its football program and its supporters.
As the search unfolds, fans and the university community remain hopeful that this transition could lead to a revitalized era for Mountaineer football, ripe with potential for future successes.
In summary, the early candidates for the Mountaineers coaching position include a mix of experienced coaches with varied success levels, including potential homecomings. The university is poised for an exciting change, focusing on building a promising football future.