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Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Writer
West Virginia has extended the contract of football coach Neal Brown through 2027.
Brown had been under contract through the 2026 season. He led West Virginia to a 9-4 record in 2023, his best at the school by three wins. West Virginia was picked last in the Big 12 preseason media poll, and Brown entered the season facing significant pressure to improve. The Mountaineers started 4-1 before losing at Houston on a Hail Mary in the final seconds.
“I am pleased with the progress I’ve seen in our football program since arriving last year,” athletic director Wren Baker said in a statement. “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.”
Brown earned $4 million in 2023 and had been set to earn $4.1 million in 2024, according to the previous contract. His salary will slightly decrease in the new deal, as he will earn $4 million in 2024 and 2025, and then $4.3 million in 2026, sources told ESPN. He elected to forgo increases to his own salary so West Virginia could invest more in his coaching staff, a major priority for Brown and for the school.
“My first priority was retaining and rewarding our assistant coaches and support staff who have played such a critical role in our success,” Brown said in a statement. “I appreciate Wren’s support on that front as well as his continued commitment to me and what we are building. We share a common vision for this program and that alignment is critical to our continued success. There are great things ahead, and I can’t wait to see our incredible fans back in Milan Puskar Stadium on August 31.”
The Mountaineers finished with wins in five of their final six games, including a 30-10 victory against North Carolina in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Brown, 43, is 31-29 at WVU with bowl appearances in three of the past four years. He’s 66-45 overall as a college coach.
According to the new contract, Brown will be owed 75% of his remaining salary if fired any time during the term, sources said. His buyout to West Virginia if he leaves for another job drops from 25% of his remaining salary in 2024 and 12.5% of his remaining salary in 2025 to 10% if he exits at any point during the term.