West Virginia provides coach Neal Brown extension

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Elder WriterMar 5, 2024, 10:37 AM ET

  Close

  • College football press reporter.
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.West Virginia has

extended the contract of football coach Neal Brown through 2027. Brown had been under

agreement through the 2026 season. He led West Virginia to a 9-4 record in 2023, his best at the school by 3 wins. West Virginia was selected last in the Huge 12 preseason media survey, and Brown entered the season facing substantial pressure to improve. The Mountaineers started 4-1 before losing at Houston on a Hail Mary in the last seconds. “I am pleased with the development I’ve seen in our football program considering that getting here last year,”athletic director Wren Baker stated in a declaration.”I think this agreement amendment permits us to continue to develop on our momentum as we start our very first year in the brand-new and broadened Huge 12 Conference. I’m appreciative of the effort Coach Brown and his personnel took into establishing the youths in our program both on and off the field.”Brown made$4 million in 2023 and had actually been set to earn $4.1 million in 2024, according to the previous agreement. His income will slightly reduce in the new offer, as he will make $4 million in 2024 and 2025, and after that$4.3 million in 2026, sources informed ESPN. He chose to give up boosts to his own salary so West Virginia could invest more in his coaching personnel, a significant top priority for Brown and for the school. “My very first priority was maintaining and rewarding our assistant coaches and support staff who have actually played such a critical function in our success,” Brown said in a statement.” I appreciate Wren’s support on that front in addition to his continued commitment to me and what we are building. We share a typical vision for this program and that alignment is crucial to our ongoing 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 ended up with wins in 5 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 3 of the past 4 years. He’s 66-45 overall as a college coach.According to the new contract, Brown will be owed 75%of his remaining wage if fired any time throughout the term, sources said. His buyout to West Virginia if he leaves for

another job drops from 25 %of his staying salary in 2024 and 12.5%of his remaining wage in 2025 to 10% if he exits at any point throughout the term.