MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Following the recent departure of Neal Brown from his position as head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, speculation regarding potential successors is intensifying both locally and nationally. ESPN has compiled a list of nine coaches who could be strong candidates to take the helm at West Virginia, echoing many names previously discussed and introducing a few fresh faces.
Among those mentioned is Rich Rodriguez, the current coach at Jacksonville State. Rodriguez, who previously led the Mountaineers to significant success, returning now could provide a nostalgic yet strategic advantage for the program. At 61 years old, he boasts an impressive overall coaching record, including a notable performance with a record of 26-10 at Jacksonville State. His past achievements at West Virginia, where he had a 60-26 record and multiple top-11 finishes in the AP rankings, make him a compelling option, despite the mixed sentiments surrounding his prior exit from the university.
Another name drawing attention is Jamey Chadwell, head coach at Liberty. With an impressive record of 52-10 since 2020, including a stellar season at Coastal Carolina, Chadwell has proven his ability to lead successful programs. Though he lacks Power 4 experience, his innovative offensive strategies could align well with West Virginia’s needs, particularly given his geographical ties to the region.
Jimbo Fisher, a name renowned for his national championship credentials from his time at Florida State, is also in the conversation. Now out of coaching, Fisher’s local roots in Clarksburg, West Virginia, coupled with his recognition in the coaching world, suggest he could offer significant visibility and prestige to the program. However, his recent struggles at Texas A&M pose questions about his fit without the same level of resources.
Moreover, UNLV coach Barry Odom emerges as a frontrunner, having established himself with strong seasons at UNLV and a reputation for solid defensive strategies complemented by a willingness to embrace innovative offensive approaches. His readiness for a promotion to the Big 12 makes him a noteworthy prospect.
ESPN’s list also features other notable candidates, including Marshall’s Charles Huff, Shannon Dawson (offensive coordinator at Miami), Bill Clark (UAB head coach), Ryan Silverfield (Memphis head coach), and Tyson Helton (Western Kentucky head coach).
In an official statement, West Virginia University Athletics director Wren Baker emphasized the importance of focusing on the players during this transitional period, stating that the search for the 36th head football coach is already in motion. He expressed confidence in assembling a robust pool of qualified candidates, underpinned by strong institutional support and a rich history.
As the Mountaineers embark on this search for new leadership, fans can remain hopeful that the next head coach will not only bring experience and success but also inspire a renewed sense of pride and ambition for the program.