Report: South Carolina is ‘Interested’ in WVU’s Neal Brown for Coaching Vacancy

The University of South Carolina is “very interested” in interviewing current West Virginia football coach Neal Brown for its football head coaching job, Justin Rowland of CatsIllustrated and Clint Brester of 247Sports reported Sunday evening.

Can confirm the Gamecocks are very interested and would like to interview him https://t.co/Jk0Vs3psCx

— Justin Rowland (@RowlandRIVALS) November 30, 2020

South Carolina fired coach Will Muschamp in the middle of November after the Gamecocks lost their third-straight game, dropping to 2-5 on the season. There were four years remaining on Muschamp’s contract and the Gamecocks will reportedly still have to pay over $13 million to the former head coach.

Brown does not appear to be the top candidate for the vacancy right now, as South Carolina officially interviewed Oklahoma assistant head coach Shane Beamer on Friday. Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Louisiana head coach Billy Napier and Coastal Carolina head coach Jamey Chadwell also appear to be candidates.

Brown’s contract with WVU also carries a $4 million buyout if he were to leave for another job before Dec. 31, 2020. That buyout reduces to $3.5 million in 2021 and $2.5 million in 2022.

WVSN has reached out to Brown’s agent for comment but has not received a response.

UPDATE – Dec. 1, 2020

Neal Brown Dispels South Carolina Rumors, ‘I’m Not a Candidate There’