**Should Virginia Tech Hire Former Rival West Virginia Head Coach Neal Brown as Its Offensive Coordinator?**
Virginia Tech football is in the midst of a rebuilding phase after a few years of inconsistency and struggles to regain the dominant form that once made the Hokies a powerhouse in the ACC. As the Hokies look to improve their offensive play and solidify a more dynamic and efficient attack, the question arises: should Virginia Tech hire former West Virginia head coach Neal Brown as its new offensive coordinator? Brown, who spent several years as West Virginia’s head coach before being dismissed following the 2022 season, is a name that many are beginning to associate with the Hokies’ next phase. His experience and history in the region make him a candidate worth considering.
Neal Brown’s career has been defined by his ability to develop high-powered offenses, even in challenging situations. After serving as an offensive coordinator at both Texas Tech and Troy, he took over as head coach at Troy, where he quickly turned the program into a competitive force in the Sun Belt Conference. Brown’s offenses at Troy were consistently among the best in the conference, and his success there earned him the West Virginia job. While his tenure at WVU didn’t meet expectations, particularly in terms of win-loss record, he demonstrated a clear ability to build an offense around a diverse set of players, highlighting his adaptability.
At Virginia Tech, the offensive playcalling has been a major area of concern for the last few seasons. The Hokies have struggled to find consistent quarterback play and have been unable to establish a reliable rushing game. Virginia Tech has historically been known for its tough, balanced offensive attack, and hiring a coach with Brown’s track record of developing offensive systems could be a key step toward restoring the program to its former glory. Brown’s ability to maximize player potential and implement schemes that suit the personnel could bring a significant improvement to the Hokies’ offense.
While Brown’s record at West Virginia might raise some doubts, it’s important to consider the context of his tenure. He took over a program that was undergoing significant transition following the departure of longtime head coach Dana Holgorsen. West Virginia faced challenges in recruiting and maintaining consistency in both the offensive and defensive units. Brown’s West Virginia teams never reached the level of success the fanbase had hoped for, but his offenses still showed flashes of brilliance, especially in key games against tough opponents. This experience could translate well to a Virginia Tech team in need of rebuilding.
Another consideration is Brown’s deep ties to the region. A native of Kentucky, Brown has built strong recruiting relationships throughout the southeast, particularly in states like West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. His regional knowledge could be a major asset for the Hokies, who are looking to reestablish themselves as a recruiting force in the ACC. Brown has experience navigating the recruiting landscapes in these areas and could potentially bring in top-tier talent to help improve Virginia Tech’s offensive depth and overall program competitiveness.
Moreover, his familiarity with Virginia Tech’s biggest rival, West Virginia, could give him an edge in understanding the Hokies’ competition. Brown’s experience with both the offensive and defensive strategies of the Mountaineers could provide invaluable insight into game preparation for key ACC matchups. He has a deep understanding of how to challenge Virginia Tech’s rivals and could bring a fresh perspective on how to get the upper hand in rivalry games.
However, there are also valid concerns regarding the optics of hiring a former West Virginia head coach. Virginia Tech fans may be divided on the idea of bringing in someone who spent years leading their rivals, especially given the heated nature of the rivalry between the two schools. There could be skepticism about whether Brown’s loyalty to Virginia Tech would match the expectations of Hokies fans. Nonetheless, his reputation as a well-regarded offensive mind could outweigh any potential backlash from his West Virginia ties.
In conclusion, Neal Brown’s hire as Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator could be a smart move for the Hokies as they look to rebuild and return to competitiveness in the ACC. His proven ability to run dynamic offenses, recruit in the region, and his knowledge of Virginia Tech’s rivals make him a strong candidate. While there are certainly risks involved, including the possible negative perception from some fans, Brown’s credentials speak for themselves. If given the right resources and support, he could play a pivotal role in revitalizing Virginia Tech’s offensive game plan and getting the program back to championship contention.