Neal Brown, the recently fired head coach of West Virginia University (WVU), is far from disheartened following his departure and remains optimistic about his coaching career. Despite being let go from his position after a challenging season, Brown expressed a strong desire to continue in coaching and firmly believes that he will be back as a head coach somewhere in 2025.
Speaking with Hoppy Kercheval on MetroNews Talkline Friday morning, Brown made it clear that he intends to stay in the coaching game. “I want to coach,” Brown affirmed, sharing his belief that there are still many positives ahead for him personally and professionally. He also highlighted that there are numerous opportunities available in the coaching world, particularly with several high-profile positions open at programs that offer solid resources and a good chance to win. Brown, 44, emphasized his readiness for the next step: “My anticipation is that I will (be a head coach) but time will tell.”
Brown’s name has already surfaced in various coaching searches, particularly within the Group of Five conferences, after his exit from WVU. He wasted no time in signaling his eagerness to jump into another opportunity. “I’ve got a ton of energy,” he said. “I think the natural assumption sometimes once somebody is let go is, ‘they must be beat up.’ I’m not.”
The former WVU head coach, who was dismissed after a five-season tenure at the helm of the Mountaineers, has seen his name tied to several coaching vacancies almost immediately. Two notable schools where Brown has been linked include Charlotte and Appalachian State. However, sources have reported that he has already passed on the Charlotte job.
Charlotte made headlines earlier this week by firing their second-year head coach Biff Pogi, who was let go after a 6-16 overall record. The 2024 season was a tough one for the 49ers, with Pogi failing to show significant improvement despite the resources available to him. The opening at Charlotte has garnered much attention, but it appears Brown has opted against pursuing it.
Similarly, Brown has been connected to the Appalachian State job, which became available after the Mountaineers dismissed fifth-year head coach Shawn Clark. Clark, who posted a 5-6 record this season, was relieved of his duties following a 40-24 record over his tenure with the program. Appalachian State, a school with a proud football tradition, is searching for its next leader, and Brown’s name was immediately floated as a candidate. However, no formal reports have surfaced suggesting he has pursued the role directly.
The speculation surrounding Brown’s potential return to his alma mater, the University of Massachusetts (UMass), was also prominent in the wake of his WVU firing. However, this possibility has now been dismissed, as UMass recently hired Rutgers defensive coordinator Joe Harasymiak to take over as the program’s next head coach. Brown’s connection to UMass, where he had a successful playing career, made him a logical candidate for the job, but the position was ultimately filled by Harasymiak after a brief search.
Before his time at WVU, Brown established himself as a successful head coach at Troy University. From 2015 to 2018, Brown led the Trojans to a 35-16 record, and his final three seasons at Troy were particularly impressive, with the program winning double-digit games in each of those years. His success at Troy had garnered significant attention and paved the way for his move to a Power Five program in WVU. However, his tenure with the Mountaineers was less successful, as he struggled to get consistent results, leading to his eventual firing after finishing with a 22-24 record in Morgantown.
Despite the disappointment of his WVU departure, Brown’s energy and outlook remain positive. He has a wealth of experience in building programs and taking them to new heights, making him an attractive candidate for various schools looking for a new leader. His track record at Troy, in particular, shows his ability to succeed with the right resources and personnel, which is likely why he remains a sought-after figure in Group of Five coaching circles.
Brown’s future in coaching is now the subject of much speculation, as numerous schools continue to search for their next head coach. With several programs across the country facing key transitions, there’s no shortage of opportunities for Brown to explore. Whether it’s at a Group of Five school looking to take the next step or another program seeking a change of direction, Brown’s coaching expertise and proven success will certainly be in high demand.
As 2025 approaches, it’s clear that Brown is determined to return to the sidelines. He remains confident that he can lead another program to success, driven by his deep passion for coaching and his continued belief in his abilities. It will be interesting to see where his journey takes him next and which program will ultimately benefit from his experience and leadership. Time will tell if Neal Brown can return to the head coaching ranks and what his next chapter in college football will look like.
