WVU’s Neal Brown is “under a lot of pressure” going into 2023, according to one analyst.
Morgantown, WV – Despite finishing with a 5-7 record in 2023, WVU decided to keep Head Coach Neal Brown following the arrival of Athletic Director Wren Baker.
This was not a popular decision for many, but it was ultimately the only choice that the Mountaineers had. Most of his potential replacements were off of the market, and with the school transitioning to new leadership, it just wasn’t feasible at the time. However, this has not prevented many from criticizing the decision to retain Brown.
In particular, Mike Farrell of Mike Farrell Sports.
The Big XII Coaches Under the Most Pressure in 2023 https://t.co/giJsVEtLV4
— Mike Farrell (@mfarrellsports) July 4, 2023
Earlier today, Farrell released an article that listed the Big 12 coaches that are “under the most pressure” going into 2023. As expected, Brown was at the top of the list.
Here is what Farrell had to say about Neal Brown:
“I’m surprised he survived another season and it probably wasn’t the smart choice as this leads to a bad situation. If he surprises and goes 8-4 they stick with him and then what? And when he doesn’t he’s gone. He’s a dead man walking.”
The well-known analyst sees the return of Brown as a “bad situation” for the Mountaineers.
Even if Brown succeeds in 2023, will WVU be quick to pull the plug on him if he falls back down to Earth the following year? That would ultimately make it a waste of both West Virginia’s and Neal Brown’s time.
However, a successful campaign this season could set the Mountaineers up for future success. It could indicate that Brown has finally built what he envisioned at WVU, and is now ready to take the Big 12 by storm moving forward.
There is no right answer to this debate at the time. Like everyone else, fans will just have to wait and see how West Virginia performs with Neal Brown in 2023 to formulate an opinion on the program moving forward.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
