Steelers Center Zach Frazier Reacts to WVU Firing Neal Brown

Before becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler, Zach Frazier was a West Virginia Mountaineer. In fact, the West Virginia native will forever be a Mountaineer. Unfortunately for Frazier, his college career was during the roller coaster ride of the Neal Brown era, a period lacking the success of prior years in the program’s history.

But now that Frazier is in the NFL and Brown has been fired by WVU, the rookie center decided to share his reaction to the news and his thoughts about his college coach.

“Coach Brown, obviously recruited me and I have a lot of respect for Coach Brown. Really grateful for him. It’s unfortunate he got fired. I feel bad. I feel for him, for his family and just wish him the best. He’s been a great mentor to me,” said Frazier to WV Sports Now on Wednesday.

Frazier was asked if he has a particular candidate in mind to replace Brown and lead the team he grew up rooting for into its next era, but of course, he laughed and declined to name anyone.

Frazier was asked for his pick of who WVU should hire as their next head coach…

He declined to give an answer. 😉 https://t.co/ZoHOuOnkzI

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) December 4, 2024

And as far as how Frazier is doing in the NFL, Kevin Patra of NFL.com actually included Frazier as one of his top candidates for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year right now.

Below is what Patra said to argue why Frazier deserves consideration. He placed Frazier as his No. 5 candidate.

“I debated putting Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr. and others in this spot. Instead, let’s give the beef some love. I know an offensive lineman has zero chance of winning this award, but that doesn’t mean Frazier’s efforts need go unpraised. He has been a stabilizing force for the AFC North-leading Steelers. Stepping into the pivot, Frazier is a plus pass protector and already one of the better run blockers at his position. It’s not a coincidence that Najee Harris has been more productive this season after the Steelers reworked the O-line. In eight games, Frazier has allowed just four pressures, per PFF, the fewest among all centers with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps.”

Zach Frazier Shockingly Included on List of Candidates for Major NFL Award

After being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier moved into the starting role before the season due to an injury to incumbent Nate Herbig.

Alan Saunders of WV Sports Now’s partner Steelers Now helped with reporting for this story.

For a related story, Beanie Bishop went into detail about what Neal Brown means to him.