Where Does Neal Brown Fall on List of Coaches Most Likely to Be Fired?

Neal Brown went from the hot seat to earning a contract extension thanks to a successful 2023 season, but how much job security does he actually have now?

While Brown is no longer at the top of the odds for the coach most likely to be fired first, his name still appears on the list. The betting odds for Brown as the first to be let go currently stand at 14/1, according to BetOnline.

Other notable coaches on this watch list are Florida’s Billy Napier on the hottest seat of all at 4/1, Dave Aranda of Baylor leading the pack for Big 12 coaches and Pitt head coach and WVU rival Pat Narduzzi at 12/1.

For those who might be confused why Brown would still appear on lists like this after receiving a contract extension, his new deal would make it easier for West Virginia to fire him.

Neal Brown’s contract extension literally reduces his salary and buyout. This was done to help the WVU football program. He certainly still be fired if they win 4 games or take some wild dip.

— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) March 5, 2024

Brown’s new deal reduces his salary over the next three years by a total of $400,000. To break this down further, Brown will make $4 million annually in each of the next two seasons before a jump to $4.3 million in 2026 and $4.4 for 2027, the extra year added. Prior to this extension, Brown was in line to make $4.1 million in 2024, $4.2 million in 2025, $4.4 million in 2026 and would have not had a contact at all in 2027.

In addition to a decrease in his salary, Brown’s buyout, the most important aspect of a contract to a program, has also been slashed from 100% to 75% if he is fired. This means WVU will now owe Brown less than it would have in his old deal if he is let go at any point.

Asti: Structure of Neal Brown’s New Deal Serves to Assist WVU Football Program

So while WVU fans may believe the Mountaineers can contend in the new Big 12 and the atmosphere around the program has been positive throughout the offseason, a disappointing start in the fall could put the future of Brown’s job in doubt all over again.

“I am pleased with the progress I’ve seen in our football program since arriving last year,” said WVU director of athletics Wren Baker when news about Brown’s contract extension broke in March.

“I believe this contract amendment allows us to continue to build on our momentum as we begin our first year in the new and expanded Big 12 Conference. I’m appreciative of the effort Coach Brown and his staff put into developing the young people in our program both on and off the field.”

For a related story, Mike Asti explains why extending Neal Brown assists the WVU program.