The decision comes after Brown's successful nine-win season, his best yet at West Virginia.

Wren Baker, the Vice President and Director of Athletics at West Virginia University, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the football program under Brown's leadership. Baker believes that the contract extension will allow them to build on their momentum as they enter their first year in the expanded Big 12 Conference. He also commended Brown and his staff for their dedication to developing the student-athletes both on and off the field.

Sources have revealed that the contract renewal will include a decrease in Brown's annual salary over the next three years. In 2024, his salary will be reduced from $4.1 million to $4 million, followed by a decrease from $4.2 million to $4 million in 2025, and finally from $4.4 million to $4.3 million in 2026. Brown has willingly foregone $400,000 in salary increases over the three years to allocate more funds towards the program, including staff salaries.

Brown expressed his priority in retaining and rewarding the assistant coaches and support staff who have played a crucial role in the team's success. He appreciates Baker's support in that regard and is grateful for his commitment to the shared vision of the program. Brown looks forward to the upcoming season and is excited to see the devoted Mountaineer fans back in Milan Puskar Stadium on August 31.

The new contract also includes revisions to the buyout and termination clauses. Previously, if Brown were to be fired on or before December 31, 2024, West Virginia would have been required to pay him 100 percent of his remaining salary. Under the new deal, Brown will receive 75 percent of his remaining salary if he is terminated at any point during the contract's duration. Additionally, if Brown decides to leave for another job, he will be obligated to pay 10 percent of his remaining salary.

Having been with West Virginia for five seasons, Brown holds a 31-29 record and a 20-24 record in Big 12 Conference play. The 43-year-old coach had never led the Mountaineers to more than four conference wins prior to the 2023 season, where they achieved a remarkable 6-3 record, surpassing expectations.

With a career record of 66-45 over nine seasons as a head coach, including a four-year stint at Troy University, Neal Brown remains committed to building a successful program at West Virginia University.