Wyatt Milum: “Neal Brown Returning to WVU is a Bad Idea”
West Virginia University’s football program continues to dominate headlines, but this time, it is not about upcoming games or star performances. Instead, controversy surrounds former head coach Neal Brown, and one of WVU’s standout players, Wyatt Milum, has added fuel to the debate.
Milum, the senior offensive tackle who has become one of WVU’s key leaders, did not mince words when sharing his opinion about the rumored return of Neal Brown. After Brown was dismissed in December 2024 following five inconsistent seasons with the Mountaineers, speculation has arisen that he could be brought back in some capacity. Milum, however, believes such a decision would be a major step backward for the program.
In a recent interview, Milum stated, “I respect Coach Brown as a person, but his time here was up. Bringing him back would only create more instability, and this team doesn’t need that right now. We need new energy and leadership to get WVU back to where it belongs.”
Milum’s frustration reflects the sentiments of many WVU fans who were disappointed by Brown’s tenure. Despite occasional glimpses of success, Brown struggled to maintain consistency, finishing with an overall record well below expectations. WVU’s fanbase grew restless as the team missed out on key bowl games and failed to challenge for Big 12 titles under his leadership.
Now under new head coach Rich Rodriguez, hopes are high for a fresh start. Milum emphasized the importance of moving forward: “We have guys here who are hungry to win. The program is at a crossroads, and I think Coach Rodriguez has what it takes to turn things around. Looking backward won’t help us.”
The outspoken remarks from one of WVU’s top players highlight the mounting pressure on the administration to make decisions that prioritize the team’s future. For now, WVU fans are rallying behind Rodriguez while debates about Neal Brown’s legacy and possible return continu
e to swirl.