West Virginia parts ways with Neal Brown after disappointing six seasons

In West Virginia, the university made a significant change by terminating the contract of its head football coach, Neal Brown, on December 1, 2024, following a lackluster season and overall performance. This decision came in the wake of the Mountaineers finishing the season with a mediocre 6-6 record, further highlighting their struggles in the Big 12 Conference where they failed to compete for a championship or earn a ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 poll during Brown's tenure. Athletic director Wren Baker publicly announced the firing, expressing his best wishes for Brown and his family in their future endeavors. Neal Brown's six-year stint was marked by challenges, as his teams consistently underperformed despite having notable players, including dual-threat quarterback Garrett Greene, returning for the season. The offensive output noticeably declined, and the team's defense was among the worst nationally in terms of passing yards allowed. Under Brown, the Mountaineers experienced a troubling trend of losing home games, with four losses at their home stadium this season. Moreover, they were outscored in the second half of 10 out of 12 games, which significantly contributed to the growing dissatisfaction among fans and ultimately the decision made by the administration. A year prior, Brown received a vote of confidence from Baker, culminating in a contract extension after a 9-4 finish. However, as the 2024 season progressed, fan support waned markedly. Issues reached a tipping point following a home loss to Iowa State, prompting many fans to call for Brown's dismissal via billboards in Morgantown. The situation deteriorated further after a particularly poor showing from the defense, leading to the firing of defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley, which showcased an urgent need for change. The Mountaineers managed a brief victory under interim defensive coordinator Jeff Koontz but could not sustain momentum, culminating in consecutive losses that sealed Brown's fate. This firing marks a critical juncture in the West Virginia football program, as they continue to seek their first league title since 2011. Additionally, in the broader context of collegiate athletics, it underscores the intense pressure for coaches to produce immediate results and compete effectively in a challenging conference landscape. As West Virginia evaluates its options moving forward, questions remain regarding the direction of the football program and who will lead the team in their upcoming bowl game and beyond.