Neal Brown’s tenure as the head coach of West Virginia University football has officially come to an end after six seasons. The announcement was made on Sunday, following a disappointing loss to Texas Tech that capped off a season where the team finished with a 6-6 record. This result marks the fifth time in Brown’s six years that he has not achieved a winning record in the regular season.
Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Brown for his character and the dedication he showed as an ambassador for the university. “Coach Brown is a great person, and he has served as a tremendous ambassador for West Virginia University,” Baker stated. He expressed gratitude for Brown and his family, wishing them well in their future endeavors.
Dismissal from the position comes at a financial cost, as Brown is entitled to receive 75% of the remaining contract, expected to total just under $10 million.
Brown arrived at WVU after a successful stint at Troy, where he achieved at least ten wins in three consecutive seasons and secured multiple bowl victories. Despite his promising background, he struggled to replicate that success with the Mountaineers. Under his leadership, the team won only three games against ranked opponents in 72 matches, and the Mountaineers have not been ranked in the Top 25 since 2019, alongside only two other Power Five conference teams.
The season started with great promise, as fans flocked to Milan Puskar Stadium, but fell short after a tough opening game against Penn State and subsequent rivalry losses. Defensive woes plagued the team, leading to a change in defensive coordinators mid-season, but the adjustments did not yield the desired improvements.
Brown finished his tenure with a 37-35 overall record, including a 25-28 record in Big 12 play. His teams made four bowl appearances during his time at the helm, with two bowl wins.
As the university seeks a new head coach, Baker expressed optimism about finding a strong candidate, highlighting the university’s commitment and the passion of its supporters. Potential candidates being discussed include Clarksburg native Jimbo Fisher and former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez, both of whom have their own histories and achievements in college football.
In a silver lining, as WVU looks forward to its upcoming bowl game and prepares for a new coaching era, there is a sense of hope and anticipation among fans and players alike about the potential for revitalizing the program’s success in the future.
The university’s focus now shifts to identifying a new leader who can elevate the program and bring renewed aspirations for success. As the search unfolds, it may mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for WVU football.