National CFB Writer Details Why WVU Needs to Fire Neal Brown

The discussion about the future of the WVU football program extends much further than just those who follow the Mountaineers closely. Many around the country are voicing their opinion about why West Virginia needs to move on from Neal Brown.

As part of his Week 8 overreactions, CBS Sports college football writer Will Backus explained his reasoning for why he believes it’s past time West Virginia fires Brown.

“Brown prolonged the inevitable with a strong showing in 2023, leading West Virginia to its first nine-win season since 2016 and earning a second bowl victory in a four-year span. Time has shown that last season was an exception in Brown’s tenure, not the norm,” said Backus.

He continued. “Those nine wins are sandwiched between one of the most mediocre spans in program history. Brown had losing seasons in three of his first four years leading the Mountaineers, and 2024 is shaping up to be the worst outing yet.

“With Saturday’s 45-18 loss to Kansas State, West Virginia fell to 3-4 on the year with a 2-2 showing in conference play. It was the Mountaineers’ third double-digit loss against Power Four competition this season. West Virginia is now 0-9 against ranked opponents under Brown since Oct. 30, 2021’s upset win against Iowa State.”

Backus feels WVU experienced a ceiling with Brown at the helm in 2023, and while the program itself has enjoyed much greater days than lifting a trophy in a minor bowl game, it’s unlikely more success will occur under Brown.

Look, I think those who have followed my career no matter the outlet or whoever I’m covering know I’m always going to be honest and tell it like it is.

To that end, anyone saying WVU football has no shot at contending regardless whoever the coach is etc is just wrong. West…

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) October 13, 2024

“We’ve already seen Brown’s ceiling, and it’s significantly lower than some of the most lackluster years under the likes of Dana Holgorsen and Rich Rodriguez. There’s no good reason to trot him out there anymore.

At least the tailgating is good in Morgantown, or so I hear,” closes Backus with a shot about Brown’s recent viral message to the fans.

For a related story, WVU fans create a website demanding West Virginia fires Neal Brown.