Neal Brown’s tenure as the head football coach at West Virginia University has officially come to an end. The university announced the decision on Sunday, following a significant defeat to Texas Tech that concluded the regular season with a disappointing 6-6 record. This marks the fifth time in six seasons under Brown that the Mountaineers failed to exceed six wins.
Athletic Director Wren Baker expressed gratitude towards Brown, noting his positive impact as an ambassador for the university. Baker stated, “Coach Brown is a great person, and he has served as a tremendous ambassador for West Virginia University,” highlighting the hard work and integrity Brown brought to the program. He acknowledged Brown, his family, and their contributions to the university and community while wishing them well in future endeavors.
The separation will come at a financial cost to WVU, as Brown is entitled to 75% of his remaining contract, estimated to be just shy of $10 million. Brown arrived at WVU with a strong reputation after a successful stint at Troy, where he led the team to multiple bowl victories and finished with at least 10 wins in three consecutive seasons. However, his time at WVU did not mirror that success, with the team generally remaining average, and only securing three victories over nationally ranked opponents in his 72 games.
The Mountaineers have struggled to break into the rankings since 2019, remaining among the few Power Four conference teams that have not appeared in the Associated Press Top 25. Although they achieved a modest 9-4 record last season, the team faced challenges this year, including a tough loss to Penn State that ignited disappointment among fans. With hopes for improvement this season, West Virginia fell short, unable to find consistent performance.
Defensive shortcomings plagued the Mountaineers, leading to a midseason shake-up when Brown fired defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley. However, this change did not yield the desired results, culminating in a heavy defeat to Texas Tech, where the Mountaineers gave up 52 points.
Over six seasons, Brown accumulated a record of 37-35, including 25-28 within the Big 12. His teams participated in four bowl games, with mixed outcomes. As the search for a new head coach begins, Baker emphasized the focus on the players while reassuring fans of a national search for the 36th head coach in WVU history.
Among potential candidates, former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez and Jimbo Fisher, a Clarksburg native, have emerged as prominent names. Rodriguez has found success at Jacksonville State, leading them to a 26-9 record, while Fisher recently departed from Texas A&M after a challenging period. Meanwhile, Brown has already been linked to a potential coaching opportunity at Massachusetts.
While the end of an era is often met with uncertainty, it brings the possibility of new beginnings. The university is in a prime position to attract a visionary coach who can build on the potential within the program, setting the stage for renewed success in the upcoming seasons. Fans and players alike can look forward to the future, energized by the prospect of a revitalized coaching staff and renewed aspirations in the Big 12.