Morgantown, WV – Neal Brown was relieved of his duties as WVU’s head football coach on Sunday afternoon. The former Troy head man led the Mountaineers to a 37-35 record in six seasons, including a 6-6 mark in 2024.
Despite his shortcomings in Morgantown, Neal Brown is set to be a highly sought after candidate, particularly at the Group of Five level. According to reports from this morning, he will have options as to where he goes next.
John Brice of FootballScoop has reported that Brown is now a “central figure” in the head coaching search at Appalachian State. He is also reported to be “in the mix” for the job opening with the Charlotte 49ers.
According to the article, “West Virginia, per contract terms from its restructured deal with Brown earlier in 2024, owes him 75% of his remaining salary — somewhere in the neighborhood of $9 million. However, West Virginia officials did negotiate offset language into Brown’s amended deal, meaning that if he accepts a new job somewhere that West Virginia is relieved of paying that portion of Brown’s salary. So, if Brown accepts a position at a program where he’s earning, hypothetically, $1.5 million per year, that’s $1.5 million less that West Virginia must pay.”
In addition, Brown is considered a favorite to return to his alma mater UMASS to coach. Last week, it was reported by New England newspaper the Daily Hampshire Gazette that West Virginia head coach Neal Brown was a “top choice” at UMASS to become their next head football coach after firing Don Brown.
The article said the following about Neal Brown potentially returning to his alma mater: “Another top choice is Neal Brown, the current head coach at West Virginia – where he has gone 37-35 and won two bowl games since taking over in 2019. Brown played wide receiver at UMass in the early 2000s before joining the Minutemen staff as the tight ends coach. UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes crossed paths and was very involved with Neal Brown at West Virginia, and the Paul Gorham Auditorium inside of the Martin Jacobson Football Performance Center was donated by Neal Brown and his wife Brooke.¨
Neal Brown played wide receiver for UMASS from 2001-2002 and graduated from the UMASS in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and in 2005 with a master’s degree in business administration. Now that Brown is no longer employed, it appears that UMASS will at the very least reach out and express interest.
Brice also stated that Brown will have coordinator opportunities at Power Four programs.
Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for updates on the situation!
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
