Neal Brown Emerges as Top Contender for Head Coaching Vacancy
Neal Brown, the former head football coach at West Virginia, is gaining traction as a leading candidate for other head coaching positions. After his release from West Virginia, speculation about Brown’s future started circulating, particularly around potential openings at several universities.
Neal Brown’s Career Journey
Following his dismissal, Brown opted to join Texas as a “Special Assistant to the Head Coach” under Steve Sarkisian. This decision allowed him to regroup rather than immediately pursue another head coaching role. Brown previously led the Mountaineers for four seasons, where he struggled to meet expectations.
2023 Season Overview
The 2023 football season saw some highs and lows for Brown’s team. Notably, West Virginia managed to clinch nine victories, indicating a turnaround as they engaged in meaningful games late in the season. As a result, Brown was offered a restructured contract, which included a one-year extension and a decision to forgo $400,000 in salary increases to reallocate funds towards the coaching staff.
2024 Season Decline
However, the subsequent 2024 season took a downturn quickly. The Mountaineers faced several setbacks, including:
- A 10-point lead lost to Pitt in the Backyard Brawl.
- Defeats at home against Iowa State and Kansas State.
- A significant loss to Baylor.
- A crushing defeat to Texas Tech, finishing with a score of 52-15.
This sequence of disappointing performances led to the conclusion of his tenure. Athletic Director Wren Baker, who previously served at North Texas, made the decision easier with the season’s abrupt end.
Wren Baker’s Influence
Despite his firing, Brown maintained a respectful view of Baker, noting their strong relationship. He expressed no bitterness about his dismissal, believing their friendship would transcend his time at West Virginia.
Given Baker’s supportive stance and potential contacts within the industry, it’s plausible that he has recommended Brown for upcoming roles. As Brown emerges as a top contender for head coaching vacancies, his next steps remain a topic of interest in the college football community.
