Morgantown, West Virginia – When Neal Brown finally answered the question about his alleged interest in the South Carolina head coaching position, he said the following: “I guess it’s good because it means people are paying attention, they are thinking we’re doing something right. I guess it’s positive from that matter. Several people told me that yesterday. I haven’t been real active on social media other than promoting my wife on whatever Instagram Live is. I’m trying to figure out what that is.”
Brown isn’t stupid. He isn’t some aw shucks character like he portrays. He’s a multi-millionaire and the head coach of the most important sports team in the state of West Virginia.
Brown continued: “I’m not a candidate there. I really don’t go about addressing every rumor or anything like that that’s out there because I think you’ll spin yourself in a web because I don’t think there’s anyway to keep up. It’s pretty simple. I’m not a candidate there.”
Let’s start with this: “I really don’t go about addressing every rumor or anything like that that’s out there because I think you’ll spin yourself in a web because I don’t think there’s anyway to keep up.”
Huh?
Of course you can keep up! There’s not that many job openings that a coach like Brown will be mentioned in each year. Let’s say that there are five openings that are better than the West Virginia job each year and Brown is mentioned as a possible candidate for 3 of those openings. That’s unlikely but for argument’s sake we’ll use a higher number. Brown would simply have to say “I’m not interested in that position” three times per year. That’s it. That’s not a “web” and that’s not “impossible to keep up with.” The only web being created is by Brown himself.
Brown could also end any speculation by simply stating: “I’m very happy where I am and do not want to be mentioned in any vacant coaching positions.” He won’t do that, of course, because this is a business and coaches are always looking for a better opportunity.
Secondly, his “I’m not a candidate there” statement was incredibly vague. Were you a candidate there? Were you interested in this position? Did South Carolina contact you? Did your agent speak to you about the position? Did you use this as a means to gain an extension or to get a raise?
Brown saying “I’m not a candidate there” left far more questions than it gave answers. Is Neal Brown in it for the long run? Can we really trust the climb? Or will we continue to have to deal with Brown’s lack of transparency every time a job becomes available and his name is mentioned?
