Former West Virginia football coach Neal Brown has publicly addressed his dismissal after six seasons with the Mountaineers, marking the end of a tenure filled with ups and downs. Brown, who recorded a 37-35 overall record and 25-28 in Big 12 play, acknowledged the challenges of coaching at a program with high expectations and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the team.
Brown emphasized his commitment to the players and the program throughout his time in Morgantown, noting that his focus was always on building a strong culture and ensuring his players’ development both on and off the field. Despite delivering a 9-4 season in 2023, including a bowl victory, inconsistent performances and a disappointing 6-6 record in 2024 led to his termination. West Virginia cited a need for new leadership to achieve the program’s goals moving forward.
Athletic Director Wren Baker praised Brown for his integrity and leadership, but stressed the importance of aligning with the university’s vision for sustained success. The program has already started searching for its 36th head coach, with hopes of reinvigorating the team’s competitiveness in the Big 12 Conference.
Brown’s legacy includes notable achievements, such as navigating the team through the pandemic-affected 2020 season with a bowl victory and recruiting key talent. However, struggles with consistency, particularly in key games, ultimately defined his tenure. Moving forward, Brown has expressed optimism about future opportunities in football, indicating he remains passionate about the sport.
