This is a case where fan unrest may not meet institutional sentiment. West Virginia is in the lower tier of the Power 4 conference schools financially, and like most schools in its financial weight class, it is figuring out a way to budget for revenue share next year.
Spending close to $10 million to fire Neal Brown would be difficult at a place such as West Virginia, especially in the wake of Brown authoring a nine-win season in 2023.
Considering the cost to bring in a new coach at a similar salary, pay a new staff and fund revenue share next year, that would be a huge stress on the budget. And all of WVU's losses have been to excellent teams this year -- Penn State (6-0), Pitt (7-0), Iowa State (7-0) and Kansas State (6-1).
Athletic director Wren Baker extended Brown's contract last year without significant change on the buyout. But it's still a lot of money.
Brown can calm the fan base and lower the chatter by finishing strong. He's 34-33 overall in six seasons and 3-4 this year. Only two of the five years -- 2020 and 2023 -- have been winning seasons. A third winning season would go a long way, and the schedule hints that's possible.
Spending close to $10 million to fire Neal Brown would be difficult at a place such as West Virginia, especially in the wake of Brown authoring a nine-win season in 2023.
Considering the cost to bring in a new coach at a similar salary, pay a new staff and fund revenue share next year, that would be a huge stress on the budget. And all of WVU's losses have been to excellent teams this year -- Penn State (6-0), Pitt (7-0), Iowa State (7-0) and Kansas State (6-1).
Athletic director Wren Baker extended Brown's contract last year without significant change on the buyout. But it's still a lot of money.
Brown can calm the fan base and lower the chatter by finishing strong. He's 34-33 overall in six seasons and 3-4 this year. Only two of the five years -- 2020 and 2023 -- have been winning seasons. A third winning season would go a long way, and the schedule hints that's possible.
