West Virginia’s Real Reason For Firing Coach Neal Brown
West Virginia’s Real Reason For Firing Coach Neal Brown
West Virginia University decided to part ways with head football coach Neal Brown this weekend after six seasons.
The move comes on the heels of a 6-6 campaign in 2024, which ended with a lopsided 52-15 loss to Texas Tech.
Brown’s tenure in Morgantown saw mixed results, with an overall record of 37-35 and only one season exceeding six wins.
The decision to terminate Brown’s contract marks a significant shift for the Mountaineers program, especially considering he received a contract extension just a year ago following a 9-4 season.
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So what’s the real reason for his abrupt, sudden exit? It came down to one major factor: West Virginia has become a joke of a football school.
Once upon a time the Mountaineers were widely regarded as a fun-to-watch squad capable of an upset on any given weekend. These days, the school is barely even associated with football.
Over the past few months West Virginia has been linked far more to having an impressive gymnastics program than any substantive accomplishments on the field.
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Mountaineers gymnastics star, Miranda Smith, has been front and center in this shift. She has recently gone viral for everything ranging from her wild photos before the Baylor game to her provocative Halloween costume.
Smith, not any of West Virginia’s football players, has slowly become the face of the Mountaineers’ athletics program.
West Virginia’s inability to consistently compete at the top of the Big 12 conference and several disappointing performances against ranked opponents ultimately led to this change.
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Their athletic department now faces the task of finding a new leader to elevate the football program’s standing in the competitive landscape of college football.
Neal Brown’s Coaching Career: From Mountaineers to National Spotlight
Neal Brown’s coaching career in college football has been marked by both successes and challenges. Born on March 11, 1980, Brown quickly rose through the coaching ranks, gaining experience at multiple programs before landing his first head coaching job at Troy University in 2015.
During his tenure at Troy from 2015 to 2018, Brown achieved notable success, compiling a 35-16 record and leading the Trojans to three consecutive bowl victories.
Brown’s performance at Troy caught the attention of larger programs, ultimately leading to his appointment as head coach at West Virginia University in 2019.
At West Virginia, Brown faced the task of rebuilding a program in a highly competitive Big 12 conference.
His time with the Mountaineers saw mixed results, with the team experiencing both promising moments and disappointing setbacks.
After six seasons at West Virginia, Brown’s tenure came to an end in December 2024. The university’s decision to part ways with Brown followed a 6-6 regular season finish, reflecting the challenges he faced in elevating the program to consistent success in the Big 12.
Throughout his career, Brown has been known for his offensive expertise, having previously served as offensive coordinator at Troy, Texas Tech, and Kentucky before becoming a head coach.
Neal Brown’s Early Coaching Tenure
Neal Brown’s coaching career began with quick stops at multiple universities before landing a significant role at Troy. His early years shaped his offensive philosophy and prepared him for future head coaching positions.
Starting at UMass and Kentucky
Neal Brown’s coaching journey started at UMass in 2003 as a tight ends coach. He spent one year there before moving to Sacred Heart in 2004.
In 2005, Brown joined Delaware as wide receivers coach, helping develop young talent.
Brown’s career took a significant step when he returned to his alma mater, Kentucky, in 2006. He served as an offensive graduate assistant for two years. This experience at an SEC school provided valuable insights into high-level college football operations.
Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach at Troy
Troy University became a pivotal stop in Brown’s career trajectory. He first joined Troy as an inside receivers coach in 2006. His innovative offensive strategies quickly caught attention.
In 2008, Brown was promoted to offensive coordinator at Troy. He held this position for two seasons, helping the team secure Sun Belt Conference titles. His offensive schemes were praised for their creativity and effectiveness.
After brief stints as offensive coordinator at Texas Tech and Kentucky, Brown returned to Troy in 2015 as head coach.
He led Troy to three bowl appearances, including a Dollar General Bowl victory. Under his leadership, Troy became a consistent Sun Belt Conference contender.
Era as the West Virginia Mountaineers’ Coach
Neal Brown led the West Virginia Mountaineers football program from 2019 to 2024. His tenure saw mixed results as he worked to build a competitive team in the Big 12 Conference.
Transition to Big 12 Conference
Brown took over as West Virginia entered a new era in the Big 12. The conference presented tough competition, with powerhouse programs like Oklahoma and Texas.
Brown aimed to elevate the Mountaineers’ standing among these formidable opponents.
He implemented new offensive schemes to match the high-scoring nature of Big 12 football. The transition proved challenging, as West Virginia struggled to consistently put up points against conference foes.
Brown’s teams showed flashes of potential but often fell short in key matchups. Their conference record fluctuated year to year, never quite breaking through to the upper echelon of the Big 12.
Building the Football Program
Brown focused on recruiting and player development to strengthen West Virginia’s roster.
He brought in talented prospects, particularly at skill positions like wide receiver. The coach emphasized a culture of hard work and accountability.
Under Brown’s leadership, Milan Puskar Stadium underwent renovations to enhance the gameday experience.
He worked to engage fans and alumni, recognizing their importance to program success.
Brown’s efforts yielded gradual improvements, though progress was slower than many hoped. The team’s win totals inched upward, but breakthrough seasons remained elusive.
Key Players and Performances
Several players thrived under Brown’s tutelage. Quarterback Garrett Greene emerged as a dual-threat playmaker, leading the offense in 2023.
Running back Jahiem White provided explosive plays out of the backfield.
West Virginia upset some ranked opponents during Brown’s tenure, including a notable win over a top-10 Penn State team in 2024. These victories energized the fanbase and showcased the team’s potential.
However, consistency eluded the Mountaineers. Brown’s teams struggled to string together winning streaks or reach 10 victories in a season.
The program’s inability to take the next step ultimately led to Brown’s dismissal after the 2024 campaign.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
