Neal Brown: WVU’s Head Coach Ascends to Top 50 in CBS Sports Rankings

The narrative surrounding WVU head coach Neal Brown has drastically shifted over the past year. Entering the 2023 season, many questioned Brown’s future with the Mountaineers, especially after a lackluster 5-7 record in his fourth year. However, a remarkable turnaround has silenced the critics and renewed hope in Morgantown.

The Mountaineers began the season with a promising 4-1 start, only to stumble with back-to-back losses to Houston and Oklahoma State. At 4-3, doubts resurfaced among the West Virginia faithful. Yet, Brown’s team displayed resilience, winning five of their last six games and finishing the season with a 9-4 record. This impressive performance included a 6-3 mark in Big 12 play, marking Brown’s first winning conference record at WVU.

For the first time since 2018, there is palpable excitement around WVU football, with fans optimistic about the team’s potential to compete for the Big 12 Conference title. Recently, CBS Sports acknowledged Brown’s achievements by ranking him 42nd among the 68 Power Four head coaches.

This ranking reflects a significant climb for Brown, who improved 17 spots from the previous year. His advancement in the rankings is one of the largest jumps among the coaches evaluated, highlighting the impressive turnaround he orchestrated.

Brown now stands just ahead of Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Joey McGuire (Texas Tech), Rhett Lashlee (SMU), Shane Beamer (South Carolina), and Billy Napier (Florida). He is ranked just behind Mike Locksley (Maryland), Greg Schiano (Rutgers), P.J. Fleck (Minnesota), Pat Narduzzi (Pitt), and Mack Brown (North Carolina).

The CBS Sports rankings consider various factors, including on-field success, recruiting prowess, player development, and the ability to manage modern college football’s complexities, such as the transfer portal and NIL regulations. Brown’s rise in the rankings underscores his competency in these areas and his capacity to lead WVU effectively.

As the Mountaineers prepare for the 2024 season, the heightened expectations are a testament to Brown’s leadership and the solid foundation he has built. With renewed confidence and a talented roster, WVU is poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12 Conference. The challenges ahead are substantial, but with Neal Brown at the helm, the Mountaineers are ready to rise to the occasion.