WVU Alumni
Pat McAfee Reacts to Neal Brown News, Hints at Involvement in WVU Coaching Search
Pat McAfee teased reason for optimism for WVU fans while weighing in on the firing of Neal Brown.
“This WVU coaching news has made for a rather wild last few hours.. I’d like to say.. Thank you Neal Brown for trying your best and representing WVU with class over the last six years. Good luck with everything going forward,” said McAfee as he respectfully recognized Brown first.
But McAfee was far from done there. He also offered a sales pitch to the next head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers and made it clear he’s willing to do his part to help restore the proud tradition of the program.
“Now… there’s a P4 Head Coaching gig with a GREAT brand/history that doesn’t have a pro team in its state open.. also, a very PASSIONATE fanbase. I’ve been on the phone quite a bit… something special is possible. Wren Baker is in a great spot. I have faith he’s gonna get it right. Let’s GOOOOOOOO,” added an energized McAfee.
This WVU coaching news has made for a rather wild last few hours..
I’d like to say.. Thank You @NealBrown_WVU for trying your best and representing WVU with class over the last 6 years. Good luck with everything going forward.
Now… there’s a P4 Head Coaching gig with a GREAT… pic.twitter.com/DcOal6HfO6
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 2, 2024
McAfee was vocal with his support and also his criticism when warranted of WVU during Brown’s tenure, but he now appears to be motivated to assist WVU director of athletics Wren Baker and the administration as they search for West Virginia’s next leader.
And an alum who just happens to be one of the most prominent voices in sports media today involved in the process can’t hurt.
More on Neal Brown….
When Brown arrived in West Virginia in 2019, he was thought of as a young coach on the rise. He had just wrapped up a successful tenure at Troy, one highlighted by getting the Trojans ranked by Associated Press, something he would never accomplish at WVU.
The Neal Brown era for West Virginia concludes with a 37-35 overall record and two bowl wins. Brown’s struggles against ranked opponents and failures in big games embody the darkest six-year period for the program since before Don Nehlen took over in 1980.
And even though Baker initially decided to retain Brown despite missing a bowl game all together in 2022, he finally pulled the trigger on the heels of the disappointments of the 2024 season, one that followed hype and expectations of contending for a Big 12 title, not crawling to bowl eligibility.
Any good faith Brown earned with the success of 2023 was permanently tarnished throughout this past season.
Where the WVU program goes from here is now the next piece of news fans are anxiously waiting to hear.
For a related story, Mike Asti brings up why a return of Rich Rodriguez won’t guarantee success.
Find more coverage of Pat McAfee at WV Sports Now.
