West Virginia University has officially announced the firing of head football coach Neal Brown after a disappointing season that saw the Mountaineers finish with a 5-7 record. Brown, who had been with the program since 2019, struggled to meet expectations which contributed to his dismissal. Athletic Director Wren Baker stated, ‘We appreciate Neal’s hard work and dedication to our program. However, it became clear that a change was necessary to move our program forward.’ Under Brown’s leadership, the Mountaineers had a record of 22-25 overall, with only 13 victories in conference play over six seasons. Brown’s departure marks the end of an era as the Mountaineers prepare to seek a new direction for their football program. As the university looks for a successor, several candidates have been identified, including former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, who boasts a national championship ring, and Barry Odom, a former Missouri head coach. Both are seen as strong contenders to fill the void left by Brown. Further consideration has also been given to potential candidates such as Bill Clark and current Liberty head coach Hugh Freeze. The Mountaineers aim to make a swift decision to ensure stability for the recruiting class ahead of the early signing period. As they embark on this search, Brown expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the program, stating, ‘I am proud of the work we put in during my time at West Virginia and wish the players and the program all the best moving forward.’
West Virginia University Parts Ways with Football Coach Neal Brown After Six Seasons
