West Virginia University (WVU) has decided to part ways with head coach Neal Brown following a disappointing season that concluded with a 6-6 record in the Big 12 Conference. Athletic Director Wren Baker made the announcement on Sunday, expressing his best wishes for Brown and his family in their future pursuits.
Over his six seasons at the helm, Brown posted an overall record of 37-35 but struggled to make a significant impact in the highly competitive Big 12. His teams failed to contend for a conference championship, never achieved a ranking in the AP Top 25 poll, and faced a disheartening nine-game losing streak against ranked opponents. As part of his departure, Brown will receive a buyout of $9.5 million for the final three years of his contract.
The announcement did not specify who would coach the Mountaineers in their bowl game, with the opponent expected to be revealed next weekend. Brown had been under pressure to maintain his position for quite some time, especially following back-to-back losing seasons last year. In a move signaling confidence, Baker retained him on the same day he took office as AD. After a 9-4 season, Brown was also awarded a contract extension in March, but the team’s return to mediocrity ultimately sealed his fate.
Despite the return of dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene and promising running backs Jahiem White and C.J. Donaldson, the team struggled offensively, and defensive issues plagued them throughout the season. They suffered four home losses and were outscored in the second half of games on 10 occasions. Brown’s tenure marked the worst six-year stretch for any WVU coach since 1960-65, with the team’s inconsistency becoming a defining feature.
After a devastating 52-15 loss to Texas Tech, Brown reflected on the season, acknowledging that the final record did not meet expectations, although he noted that the team had moments of resilience. His comments during a post-game press conference about fan engagement drew ire, as supporters became increasingly frustrated, leading to public calls for his dismissal.
In an effort to address the team’s defensive struggles, Brown dismissed defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, but his replacement, Jeff Koonz, could only manage limited success in the remaining games. The Mountaineers have not won a league championship since 2011, marking a prolonged period without significant success.
While players and fans alike will look ahead, the opportunity now exists for the university to seek a new direction in its football program, potentially revitalizing the team’s competitive spirit and hopes for future success.
This situation serves as a reminder of the volatility that can accompany college sports, particularly football programs with rich traditions. The hope remains that a new coaching staff can galvanize the team, leading West Virginia back to prominence in college football.