West Virginia University has fired head football coach Neal Brown after a 6-6 season and a 52-15 loss to Texas Tech. Brown, who went 37-35 in six years, achieved moderate success, including a 9-4 record in 2023 and four bowl-eligible seasons. However, he failed to consistently elevate the program, prompting the school to seek new leadership.
Job Overview
West Virginia boasts a strong football tradition, with consistent bowl appearances and a history of conference championships and BCS bowl games. However, the program has stagnated recently, failing to crack the AP Top 25 since 2018. While its run game shows promise, key players are graduating, and the roster’s future is uncertain amidst the coaching change. Recruiting is challenging due to the lack of a strong local talent pool.
Financially, the Mountaineers rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in spending but have decent NIL support through the Country Roads Trust. University-wide struggles, including declining enrollment and financial deficits, add to the uncertainty.
Potential Candidates
Prominent names include former WVU coach Rich Rodriguez, now thriving at Jacksonville State, and Western Kentucky’s Tyson Helton, known for offensive innovation. Others like Liberty’s Jamey Chadwell, UNLV’s Barry Odom, and Penn State’s Ja’Juan Seider, a WVU alum, are also in contention. Experienced names like Army’s Jeff Monken and former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, a West Virginia native, add intrigue.
Outlook
West Virginia’s football program offers solid fan support and a proud history, but financial and recruiting challenges limit its ceiling. The next head coach will need to balance these obstacles while striving to restore the Mountaineers’ competitive edge.
