BREAKING: Neal Brown Out at West Virginia After Blowout Loss Ends Uneven Six-Year Era

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a decision that many Mountaineer fans saw coming, West Virginia University has officially parted ways with head football coach Neal Brown after six rollercoaster seasons. The move follows the Mountaineers’ crushing 52–15 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech, which punctuated a 6–6 regular season that failed to meet expectations for a program rich in tradition and pride.

Brown’s tenure concludes with an overall record of 37–35 — a mark that tells the story of a coach who struggled to elevate WVU back to national relevance. Hired in 2019 following a successful stint at Troy University, Brown arrived in Morgantown with hopes of injecting energy and long-term stability into a program that had seen its share of ups and downs in recent years. However, despite occasional flashes of potential, consistent success proved elusive.

When Neal Brown was brought on board, there was optimism across Mountaineer Nation. Brown had compiled a 35–16 record over four seasons at Troy and was viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks. WVU administrators believed he could transition the program into a contender in the Big 12.

In reality, his tenure was defined more by growing pains than growth. Though Brown did notch a few notable wins — including a bowl victory in 2020 — his teams rarely sustained momentum. Turnovers, undisciplined play, and an inconsistent offense became hallmarks of the Brown era. Fans and analysts grew increasingly frustrated as the Mountaineers remained mired in mediocrity while conference rivals surged ahead.

The 2023 season was seen as a make-or-break campaign for Brown. After back-to-back losing seasons, the pressure was mounting. Though the team managed to reach bowl eligibility at 6–6, it was hardly enough to justify a seventh year. The final nail in the coffin was the humiliating home loss to Texas Tech — a game where the Mountaineers were outclassed in every phase.

WVU athletic director Wren Baker, who took over the department last year, had been noncommittal about Brown’s long-term future throughout the season. But following the Texas Tech loss, the tone shifted dramatically. Baker met with university officials and boosters over the weekend, and the consensus was clear: a new direction was needed.

“Coach Brown led our program with integrity and always had the best interests of our student-athletes at heart,” Baker said. “But at West Virginia, we have high expectations, and it’s time for fresh leadership that can guide us toward sustained success.”

The coaching search is already underway, and WVU is expected to target both rising stars and established names in the college football landscape. With the expanding Big 12 and the ever-changing dynamics of college athletics, finding the right coach is more important than ever.

West Virginia’s fan base is hungry for a return to national prominence. The Mountaineers haven’t finished with double-digit wins since 2011 and have not been serious contenders in the Big 12 since joining the conference. The hope now is that new leadership can tap into the program’s potential and bring back the excitement that once filled Milan Puskar Stadium every Saturday.

Neal Brown’s legacy at WVU is complicated. He was well-liked by his players and respected for his character and professionalism. However, football is a results-driven business, and the results under Brown never matched the expectations.

Despite having a few bright moments, including developing several future NFL players and building a respectable recruiting pipeline, the Mountaineers never turned the corner under his leadership. His best season came in 2020 with a 6–4 record and a Liberty Bowl win, but that high point was never built upon.

Brown exits with a winning percentage barely above .500, and fans are left wondering what could have been had things clicked earlier in his tenure. Some argue he inherited a difficult situation following Dana Holgorsen’s departure, while others believe Brown simply failed to maximize the talent he had.

As the dust settles, attention now turns to the future. The program will name an interim coach to guide the team through any postseason play and recruiting efforts. Meanwhile, the athletic department will move quickly to secure a new head coach before the early signing period in December.

WVU’s next hire will face immense pressure to rebuild not only the roster but the faith of a passionate and demanding fan base. With facilities in place, a strong regional recruiting base, and an administration willing to invest, West Virginia remains anMORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a decision that many Mountaineer fans saw coming, West appealing job. The question now is: who will be the one to lead them forward?