History of Neal Brown in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 3, 2024

Neal Brown is a prominent figure in American college football, having served as both a coach and player. His most recent role was as the head football coach at West Virginia University, a position he held from 2019 to 2024. Prior to this, he led the football program at Troy University from 2015 to 2018. Brown also brings a wealth of experience as an offensive coordinator, having held this position at Troy (2008-2009), Texas Tech University (2010-2012), and the University of Kentucky (2013-2014).

1954: West Virginia's Shortest Season Since 1954

West Virginia played its fewest regular season games since 1954 during the 2020 season.

March 11, 1980: Neal Brown's Birth

Neal Brown was born on March 11, 1980.

2001: Troy Joins FBS

Troy joined the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2001.

2001: Troy's Best Regular Season Finish Since Joining FBS

Troy's 11-2 record in 2017 marked their best regular season since joining FBS in 2001.

2003: Mountaineers Win Black Diamond Trophy

The West Virginia Mountaineers won the Black Diamond Trophy in 2003, marking their last victory in the rivalry against Virginia Tech until 2021.

2005: Mountaineers Host Virginia Tech

In 2005, the West Virginia Mountaineers hosted Virginia Tech at Mountaineer Field for the first time since then, setting the stage for a renewed rivalry match in subsequent years.

2007: Neal Brown's Promotion to Offensive Coordinator at Troy

Following Tony Franklin's departure to Auburn, Neal Brown was promoted to offensive coordinator at Troy in 2007, becoming the youngest coordinator in FBS football.

2008: Neal Brown Considered for Head Coaching Job at UMass

Neal Brown was considered for the head coaching position at UMass in 2008.

2008: Neal Brown Becomes Offensive Coordinator at Troy University

Neal Brown was promoted to offensive coordinator at Troy University in 2008.

2009: Neal Brown Continues as Offensive Coordinator at Troy

Neal Brown continued serving as offensive coordinator at Troy University in 2009.

January 12, 2010: Neal Brown Announced as Offensive Coordinator at Texas Tech

On January 12, 2010, Neal Brown was announced as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech under head coach Tommy Tuberville.

2010: Neal Brown Becomes Offensive Coordinator at Texas Tech University

Neal Brown became the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech University in 2010.

2011: Neal Brown Recognized as National Coordinator of the Week

In 2011, Neal Brown was named National Coordinator of the Week by Rivals.com for his performance in the upset win over #3 Oklahoma.

2011: Neal Brown Considered for Head Coaching Job at UMass

Neal Brown was considered for the head coaching position at UMass in 2011.

December 9, 2012: Neal Brown to Coach Offense at Kentucky

On December 9, 2012, Neal Brown was reported to be joining the University of Kentucky as offensive coordinator under new coach Mark Stoops.

2012: West Virginia's Losing Streak

In 2012, West Virginia experienced a five-game losing streak.

2012: Mountaineers' Consecutive Loss to Oklahoma Begins

In 2012, the West Virginia Mountaineers began a series of consecutive losses to Oklahoma, which continued until the 2021 season.

2012: Neal Brown's Last Season at Texas Tech

Neal Brown finished his time as offensive coordinator at Texas Tech University in 2012.

2013: Neal Brown Becomes Offensive Coordinator at the University of Kentucky

Neal Brown started as the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky in 2013.

2013: West Virginia's Last Missed Bowl Game

The last time West Virginia missed a bowl game before 2019 was in 2013.

November 30, 2014: Neal Brown Hired as Head Coach at Troy

Troy University announced the hiring of Neal Brown as head football coach on November 30, 2014.

2014: Neal Brown's Last Season at Kentucky

Neal Brown concluded his role as offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky in 2014.

2014: West Virginia's Last Liberty Bowl Appearance

West Virginia last appeared in the Liberty Bowl in 2014.

2014: West Virginia's Last Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game

West Virginia last participated in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in 2014.

2015: Neal Brown's First Season at Troy University

In 2015, Neal Brown coached his first season at Troy University, finishing with a 4-8 record.

November 13, 2016: Troy Ranked in AP Top 25 for the First Time

On November 13, 2016, Troy was ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history and the first time for a Sun Belt Conference team, finishing the season 10-3.

2016: Mountaineers' Previous Bowl Appearance

In 2016, the West Virginia Mountaineers made their last appearance in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl before returning in 2021, facing Minnesota for the first time.

2017: Troy Upsets LSU and Becomes Sun Belt Co-Champions

In 2017, Troy upset #25 LSU, snapping LSU's 46-game non-conference home winning streak. Troy finished the season as Sun Belt co-champions with an 11-2 record.

2018: Dana Holgorsen's Last Season at West Virginia

Dana Holgorsen concluded his tenure as head coach of West Virginia in 2018 with an 8-4 record.

2018: Neal Brown's Last Season at Troy University

Neal Brown concluded his tenure at Troy University in 2018.

2018: West Virginia's Last Postseason Appearance

West Virginia's last postseason appearance before the 2020 Liberty Bowl was in 2018.

January 5, 2019: Neal Brown Becomes Head Coach at West Virginia

Neal Brown was announced as the head football coach at West Virginia University on January 5, 2019.

2019: Neal Brown's Tenure at West Virginia University Begins

Neal Brown began his tenure as head football coach at West Virginia University in 2019.

2020: Mountaineers' 2020 Season Performance

In 2020, the West Virginia Mountaineers completed a pandemic-shortened season with a record of 6–4 overall and 4–4 in conference play. This performance set expectations for the following year.

2020: West Virginia's Season Affected by COVID-19

West Virginia's 2020 season was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in cancelled and postponed games.

2021: Mountaineers' 2021 Season Highlights and Challenges

Throughout the 2021 season, the West Virginia Mountaineers faced both triumphs and challenges. They were predicted to finish sixth in the Big 12 preseason poll and had a mixed season. Notable games included a victory over Virginia Tech, securing the Black Diamond Trophy for the first time since 2003, and achieving bowl eligibility with a 6–6 record, ultimately losing in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl against Minnesota. Key players during the season included Jarret Doege and Leddie Brown.