Neal Brown’s tenure as the head coach of the West Virginia University football team has officially come to an end after six seasons. The university announced the decision on Sunday, shortly after a disappointing loss to Texas Tech concluded a challenging regular season, with the team finishing at 6-6—marking the fifth time in Brown’s six years that he failed to achieve a winning record.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Brown’s contributions, stating, “Coach Brown is a great person, and he has served as a tremendous ambassador for West Virginia University.” He acknowledged Brown’s commitment and integrity, expressing gratitude for the family’s contributions to the university and the broader community.
The decision to part ways with Brown comes with financial implications for WVU, as the coach is entitled to 75% of the remaining value of his contract, which is estimated to be nearly $10 million.
Brown joined WVU after a successful stint at Troy, where he led the team to multiple bowl victories and significant wins against ranked opponents. However, his time at WVU did not mirror that success. He managed to achieve just three victories against ranked teams during his 72-game tenure with the Mountaineers, and the team failed to be ranked in the AP poll since 2019.
Despite a 2023 season that ended with a bowl win, hopes for improvement were dashed by a disappointing start to the 2024 season, which saw the team struggle in key matchups. Notable difficulties were evident on defense, leading to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley after unsatisfactory performances against rival teams.
Under Brown, the Mountaineers earned a 37-35 overall record, including 25-28 in Big 12 play. He guided the team to four bowl games in his six seasons, with the latest bowl destination yet to be determined, and no interim head coach has been assigned as of now.
Looking ahead, the university is now focused on finding Brown’s successor as the 36th head coach of the football program. Baker expressed confidence in the search process, noting the strong alignment among university leadership and the enthusiasm of supporters.
Speculation has begun regarding potential candidates, with names like Jimbo Fisher and former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez being mentioned. Rodriguez, who has successfully led Jacksonville State, is seen as a possible candidate for a return to WVU, despite his past departure under contentious circumstances.
In a hopeful turn of events, this transition presents an opportunity for WVU to revitalize its football program and explore new strategies that could lead to future success. As the search for a new head coach begins, fans and players alike can look forward to potential growth and a renewed competitive spirit in the upcoming seasons.