Neal Brown has officially concluded his tenure as the head football coach at West Virginia University (WVU) after six seasons. The university announced the departure on Sunday afternoon following a disappointing loss to Texas Tech, which capped the team’s record at 6-6 for the year. This marks the fifth occasion in six seasons that Brown has led the team to no more than six wins in the regular season.
WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Brown, stating, “Coach Brown is a great person and a tremendous ambassador for West Virginia University.” He highlighted Brown’s hard work, class, and integrity, thanking him and his family for their contributions to the university and community while wishing them well in their future endeavors.
However, the separation will incur a financial impact for the university. Under Brown’s contract, he is entitled to receive 75% of the remaining value of his deal, amounting to nearly $10 million.
Brown joined WVU after a successful stint at Troy, where he led the team to three consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins. His goal was to replicate that success in the Big 12; however, his time at WVU was marked by mediocrity, with only three wins against ranked opponents in 72 games and a notable absence from the Top 25 rankings since 2019, joining Texas Tech and Rutgers in that unenviable statistic.
Despite the struggles, there was a glimmer of hope following a 9-4 season and a bowl victory in 2023, raising expectations for the upcoming 2024 season. With key players returning, including quarterback Garrett Greene and defensive lineman Sean Martin, the Mountaineers aimed to contend for the Big 12 title, especially with the departure of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC.
However, the 2024 season started on a sour note with a significant loss to Penn State, and the team faced challenges in rivalry games and against ranked opponents. Defensive issues plagued the season, with the Mountaineers consistently ranking low among Football Bowl Subdivision teams in crucial defensive statistics, prompting the firing of defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley.
With Brown’s overall record at WVU standing at 37-35 and 25-28 in Big 12 play, he led the Mountaineers to four bowl games during his tenure. As the university looks ahead, it has initiated a national search for its next head coach. Baker expressed confidence in finding a strong candidate, highlighting the alignment among university leadership and passionate support from the community.
Names such as Jimbo Fisher, a Clarksburg native with a national title at Florida State, and former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez, who achieved significant success in the early 2000s, have emerged as potential candidates. Rodriguez, currently leading Jacksonville State, has performed well, achieving 26 wins in three seasons.
As Brown explores new opportunities, including a potential return to Massachusetts, WVU prepares for its future and a new chapter in its football program.
Overall, while the departure of Neal Brown may seem like a challenging moment, it also represents an opportunity for WVU to reinvigorate its football program with new leadership and vision. The upcoming search for a new coach is a chance to redefine the path forward, learn from past experiences, and instill a winning culture that fans and players alike can rally behind.