As Expected, Fans Split on News of WVU Retaining Neal Brown

The topic of Neal Brown and if he should remain at WVU has been one of the most polarizing debates among fans and media for years. And while most have believed he would be back next season, it becoming official sparked an expected reaction.

WVU director of athletics Wren Baker confirmed this news to WV MetroNews’ Hoppy Kercheval Friday morning on his Talkline show.

This comes just days after Brown talked to Kercheval about his future and publicly stated that he expected to return. “My family and I enjoy our time at West Virginia. We want to see this through,” said Brown.

Reaction from Mountaineer Nation

Not surprised but still disappointed.

— American Hockey Supremacist (@jashow66) December 1, 2023

Now everyone can stop the comments about a new coach & get behind what is important. Supporting the players who are committed to the team & staff regardless of anyone else’s agenda of negativity. WVU has a great young team who are close & welcome any additions.

— Bill Southerly (@bs3081) December 1, 2023

Teeteehee! busted some balloons there Hoppy. Win a Bowl game and have a good season next year. The sky is the limit on his contract or another team will snatch him. Bet 'sidewalk coaches' are peeved. @NealBrown_WVU @WVUfootball @OldDominionPost @wvgazettemail @bhertzel…

— roger poling (@alleblue) December 1, 2023

Good now we can pick up a few players in the portal and make a run

— Mountaineer_Maniac (@DavidWo25276002) December 1, 2023

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— Warm weather appreciator 🇵🇸 (@LARomeo8) December 1, 2023

8 wins and a 13 million dollar buyout. They did the responsible thing.

— DW (@deedoubleyou74) December 1, 2023

The path of mediocrity continues.

— Tom Simmons 🇺🇸 (@Simmonswv) December 1, 2023

pic.twitter.com/FwgW0YyLvP

— TJ (@tbrunowvu) December 1, 2023

Brown entered the 2023 season under tons of scrutiny and with most expecting another losing season, but West Virginia was able to be one of the surprise teams of the year and finish with an 8-4 (6-3) record in the regular season. The 43-year-old coach will lead WVU in a bowl game for the third time to close the year.

Even though the 8-4 season made most close to the program feel Brown would be granted at least one more season in Morgantown, many were still unsure if Baker would look to turn the page due to the results of his overall tenure. In five years, Brown holds a 30-29 (20-24) record and endured a 5-7 campaign in 2022.