COLUMN: WVU AD Wren Baker has a decision to make regarding coach Neal Brown’s future…
The future of West Virginia University football hangs in the balance as Athletic Director Wren Baker faces a pivotal decision regarding head coach Neal Brown. After five seasons, Brown’s tenure has been a rollercoaster of modest highs and frustrating lows, leaving fans and stakeholders divided on whether he should remain at the helm.
Brown was hired in 2019 with the expectation of bringing consistency and competitiveness to the Mountaineers. While there have been flashes of promise, including a handful of marquee wins and strong recruiting efforts, the results on the field have fallen short of expectations. With a subpar record in Big 12 play and no clear upward trajectory, many are questioning whether Brown can take the program to the next level.
For Baker, who took over as WVU’s athletic director last year, the decision is anything but simple. A buyout for Brown’s contract would cost the university millions, a tough pill to swallow for a program already navigating financial challenges. Yet, the cost of keeping him—measured in dwindling fan support, declining attendance, and missed opportunities—could be even greater.
The timing of this decision is critical. The Mountaineers are entering a new era of college football, with Big 12 realignment bringing fresh competition and heightened stakes. WVU cannot afford to stagnate. If Baker believes Brown is not the right leader, making a change now could set the program on a new, more promising path.
However, retaining Brown could also have its benefits. Stability in coaching often fosters stronger recruiting pipelines, and the team has shown moments of growth under his leadership. Baker must weigh whether those positives outweigh the mounting frustration of a fan base hungry for success.
Ultimately, Wren Baker’s decision will define the next chapter of WVU football. Whether he chooses to stick with Brown or move in a new direction, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Mountaineer Nation awaits, eager for clarity on a program that has too often been stuck in neutral.
