- WVU Announces Departure of Coach Neal Brown and Replacement of Ex-Coach Dana Holgorsen Who Departed in 2018
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has officially announced the departure of head football coach Neal Brown, concluding his five-year tenure with the Mountaineers. Brown, who took over in 2019, led the team to a 37–35 record, including three bowl appearances. However, the program’s lack of consistent success in the highly competitive Big 12 conference ultimately led to the university’s decision to part ways.
In a surprising twist, WVU has also announced plans to bring back Dana Holgorsen, who previously coached the Mountaineers from 2011 to 2018. Holgorsen departed the program six years ago to take the head coaching job at the University of Houston but will now return to Morgantown for a second stint. During his initial tenure, Holgorsen achieved notable success, including an explosive 70–33 victory over Clemson in the 2012 Orange Bowl.
“We are deeply grateful to Neal Brown for his dedication to our football program,” WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker said in a statement. “As we move forward, we are excited to welcome Dana Holgorsen back to lead the Mountaineers. His experience, familiarity with the program, and success at the highest levels of college football make him the ideal choice to guide us into this new chapter.”
Holgorsen is expected to reintroduce his high-powered offensive system, which made WVU one of the most exciting teams to watch during his first stint. Fans and alumni alike are optimistic about the future, as the university seeks to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
The transition period is expected to take place after the upcoming bowl season, with Holgorsen officially assuming his duties in early 2025.
