When Neal Brown was fired as head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers on November 26, 2022, it came with a hefty price tag. As part of his buyout agreement, West Virginia University (WVU) owes Brown a total of $16.5 million, to be paid out over the next four years.
The following is a breakdown of Brown’s buyout payments:
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4.375 million |
| 2024 | $4.375 million |
| 2025 | $4.375 million |
| 2026 | $3.4 million |
In addition to the $16.5 million buyout, WVU also owes Brown $1.5 million for his remaining salary through the end of the 2022 season. This brings the total cost of Brown’s termination to $18 million.
The news of Brown’s buyout has been met with mixed reactions from the WVU fan base. Some fans believe that the buyout is too expensive, while others believe that it is a necessary investment to move the football program forward.
Those who oppose the buyout argue that it is a waste of taxpayer money. They point out that WVU is a public university, and that the money used to pay Brown’s buyout could be better spent on other things, such as scholarships or faculty salaries.
Those who support the buyout argue that it is necessary to attract a top-tier head coach. They point out that WVU is competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country, and that it needs a coach who can win consistently at a high level.
The buyout of Neal Brown is a complex issue with no easy answers. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the debate. Ultimately, it is up to the West Virginia University administration to decide whether or not the buyout is worth the cost.
No matter what happens, the buyout of Neal Brown is a reminder that college football is a big business. The stakes are high, and the costs of failure can be enormous.
