Introduction
Neal Brown has been a significant figure in American college football over the past decade — known for his offensive-minded coaching style, a steady track record at multiple programs, and a high-profile stint at West Virginia University (WVU). In this article, we explore his WVU contract and salary, his overall coaching record, glimpses of his personal life (including his wife), and the broader legacy he leaves behind in Morgantown.
Whether you’re an alumnus, a college-football junkie, or simply curious — this in-depth look provides a comprehensive view of Neal Brown’s WVU journey.
Coaching Career Overview
Background & Early Roles
Before rising to head-coach status, Neal Brown built substantial credentials as an offensive coordinator and assistant: he held coordinator or assistant roles at several programs, including Troy University (as both WR coach and later OC), Texas Tech University, and University of Kentucky.
In 2015, he got his first head-coaching gig at Troy — and would turn heads with defensively solid squads powered by a high-octane offense.
Success at Troy (2015–2018)
At Troy, Brown’s coaching shone brightest: over four seasons, he amassed a 35–16 overall record. His final three seasons there (2016–2018) delivered an impressive 31–8 mark — a .795 winning percentage that ranked among the best nationally for non–Power-5 schools.
Under his direction, Troy busted through expectations: they secured three straight bowl wins, claimed the 2017 Sun Belt Conference title, and earned Brown the 2017 Sun Belt Coach of the Year honor.
These achievements made him an attractive candidate for higher-profile head coach positions — paving the way for his next big step: West Virginia.
Head Coach at WVU (2019–2024)
On January 5, 2019, West Virginia University officially named Neal Brown its 35th head football coach.
Over six seasons in Morgantown, Brown posted a 37–35 overall record, with a conference mark of 25–28 in Big 12 play.
Season-by-Season Snapshot
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2019: Brown’s first season resulted in a 5–7 finish, the school’s first losing season since 2013.
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2020: In a COVID-shortened season, WVU went 6–4.
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2021: The Mountaineers finished 6–6 (bowl eligibility, but inconsistent performances)
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2022: The team struggled with a 5–7 record, reflecting difficulties in sustaining consistency.
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2023: Brown’s best campaign at WVU — a 9–4 record, culminating in a victory in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against North Carolina Tar Heels.
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2024: WVU slipped back to mediocrity, finishing 6–6 (5–4 in Big 12), leading to his dismissal on December 1, 2024.
Cumulative Major-School Head Coaching Record
Across his ten years at major FBS head-coach programs (Troy + WVU), Brown compiled a 72–51 record (≈ 58.5% win rate) and achieved a 6-game bowl record of 5–1 (.833 win%)
Contract & Salary at West Virginia
When WVU hired Neal Brown in January 2019, he signed a six-year contract worth approximately $19 million.
During his early years, his annual salary was roughly $3 million, though 2020 saw a slight dip to about $2.9 million — likely due to COVID-19 budget constraints.
Later in his tenure, sources reported adjustments — in 2023, he reportedly earned $4.0 million, with a planned raise to $4.1 million in 2024 under a revised contract deal.
Upon his dismissal in December 2024, WVU reportedly owed him a buyout of roughly $9.5 million, covering unpaid salary for the remaining term of his contract.
So, while his base salary fluctuated during his tenure, the overall financial commitment to Brown remained substantial — reflecting both his value to WVU and the cost of parting ways.
Wife & Personal / Family Life
Neal Brown has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to his public coaching persona. Publicly available sources — including statements at the time of his firing — reference his wife by first name only: Brooke Brown.
At the time of his departure from WVU, the school’s statement acknowledged Brooke and their children for their contributions to the university, community, and fanbase.
Beyond that, Brown tends to keep his family life out of spotlight — as is common for many college-football coaches. There are no widely published reports detailing further personal specifics (e.g., children’s names, private life), at least not in mainstream sports coverage.
Because of this discretion, any additional personal details remain scarce in public records — a side effect of his preference (or perhaps that of his family) to maintain privacy.
West Virginia Tenure: Legacy, Highs & Challenges
High Points
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2023 Season: The 9–4 campaign culminating with a Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory provided a bright spot and a moment of hope for the program under Brown.
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Bowl Appearances: Under Brown, WVU earned four bowl-eligibility seasons in six years — a not-insignificant feat in a competitive Power-5 conference.
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Culture & Stability: Coming off a dominant run at Troy, Brown brought a renewed emphasis on culture, identity, and recruiting — a longer-term vision that initially appealed to fans and administration alike.
Challenges & Criticisms
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Inconsistency: Only one season (2023) ended significantly over .500; otherwise, WVU fluctuated around mediocrity (5–7, 6–6, 5–7, etc.).
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Conference Performance: His Big 12 record stood at 25–28 — a below-.500 mark that fueled frustration among fans hoping for conference contention.
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Fan / Expectation Gap: WVU — with its passionate fan base and history — had higher aspirations than sustained mediocrity; many felt Brown’s “trust the climb” rhetoric failed to deliver on-field results.
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Final Season Collapse: The 2024 regular-season finale — a blowout loss to Texas Tech Red Raiders (52–15) — contributed heavily to the decision to dismiss him.
In short: Brown’s legacy at WVU is a mixed bag — flashes of promise overshadowed by inconsistency, occasional success but not sustained dominance.
What’s Next: After WVU
After being fired by WVU in December 2024, long-time speculation swirled about Brown’s next destination. Observers noted that while his WVU run had been uneven, his broader head-coaching resume — including success at Troy — still holds weight in the college football coaching market.
Whether he landed a new head-coaching role or pivoted to an offensive coordinator / staff-assistant role remains to be confirmed in future reporting. Given his track record and offensive mindset, many expect him to remain relevant in coaching circles.
FAQs about Neal Brown
Q1: What was Neal Brown’s overall head-coaching record (major FBS) including WVU and Troy?
A: He compiled a 72–51 record as a head coach at major FBS programs — combining his 35–16 record at Troy and 37–35 record at WVU.
Q2: What was Neal Brown’s salary at WVU?
A: His six-year contract signed in 2019 was worth about $19 million. Initially, his annual salary hovered around $3 million (with a dip to ~$2.9 mil in 2020). In later years, his reported salary rose — around $4.0 million in 2023 and slated at $4.1 million in 2024 before his firing.
Q3: Did West Virginia pay a buyout when firing him?
A: Yes — after his dismissal in December 2024, WVU reportedly owed him a buyout of approximately $9.5 million for the remaining contract value.
Q4: Who is Neal Brown’s wife?
A: His wife is named Brooke Brown. WVU’s public announcement at the time of his firing referenced “Brooke and their children” for their contributions to the university and community.
Q5: Why was Neal Brown fired from WVU?
A: The decision followed an inconsistent six-season tenure — despite occasional bowl appearances, he rarely delivered seasons significantly above .500 or challenged for the Big 12 title. The 2024 season, culminating in a lopsided loss to Texas Tech, appears to have been the final straw for the administration.
Conclusion
Neal Brown’s tenure at West Virginia University was a study in contrasts — early promise, a championship-caliber run at Troy, flashes of hope at WVU, but also recurring inconsistency and an inability to meet high expectations. His 6-year, $19-million contract and subsequent $9.5-million buyout reflect just how high the stakes and hopes were.
While his 72–51 overall head-coaching record and strong bowl performance (5–1) keep his name relevant among college-football coaching alumni, his WVU record leaves fans and observers divided on his long-term legacy in Morgantown.
His next career move remains watched closely by many — some see him returning to his offensive-mindset roots; others speculate a possible wait before another head-coaching opportunity arises. Either way, Neal Brown remains an experienced and battle-tested coach in the college football landscape.
