Neal Brown is back in the head coach’s chair, and he didn’t have to wait long to get there.
Just a year removed from his tenure at West Virginia, the 45-year-old Kentucky native is set to take over the reins at North Texas, stepping in for Eric Morris, who’s headed to Oklahoma State. For Brown, it’s a homecoming of sorts-both geographically and professionally. Born in Danville, Kentucky, and a Boyle County High School alum, Brown now returns to the head coaching ranks with a fresh opportunity in Denton.
This move marks a new chapter for the Mean Green, who are coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history and preparing to play Tulane for a conference title. That game will feature Jon Sumrall-Brown’s former assistant at Troy-on the opposing sideline, adding another layer of familiarity to an already pivotal matchup.
But looking ahead, North Texas believes they’ve found the right leader to build on their momentum.
“We are thrilled to welcome Neal Brown as our next head football coach,” said UNT athletic director Jared Mosley. “Neal is a proven leader who builds programs with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. His history of elevating rosters, developing talent, and producing results in highly competitive leagues makes him an ideal fit for North Texas.”
That track record Mosley’s referring to is well earned. Brown’s coaching journey has spanned nearly two decades, beginning with offensive coordinator stops at Troy and Texas Tech before returning to Kentucky as Mark Stoops’ first OC.
From there, he took over as head coach at Troy in 2015, where he quickly turned the program into a Sun Belt powerhouse. In just four seasons, Brown delivered three 10-win campaigns and a conference title-results that earned him a shot at West Virginia.
His time in Morgantown was a mixed bag. Over six seasons, Brown posted a 37-35 record, with flashes of promise but never quite enough consistency to keep his seat cool.
He was let go after the 2024 season, but he didn’t stay idle for long. Brown joined Steve Sarkisian’s staff at Texas in a support role, gaining a different perspective while staying close to the game.
Now, he’s back in charge-and back in Texas.
For North Texas, this hire signals a desire to keep climbing. The Mean Green have been trending upward, and with a conference championship on the horizon, the foundation is already in place.
Brown’s experience in both Group of Five and Power Five settings gives him a unique edge. He’s been where North Texas wants to go, and he knows how to navigate the path.
There’s also a sense that this stop could be more than just a rebound. With the right fit and the right results, Denton could be the launching pad for Brown’s next big move-or the place where he builds something lasting.
Brown, for his part, is already showing gratitude to those who helped shape his journey. After Mark Stoops released a farewell statement to Kentucky fans, Brown responded with a heartfelt message of his own, thanking the longtime Wildcats head coach.
“He did the job better than it’s ever been done before!” Brown posted. “As a former staff member, player, and a proud Kentuckian - THANK YOU!”
It’s a full-circle moment for a coach who’s worn many hats in the college football world-player, assistant, coordinator, head coach, and now, once again, program leader. And as North Texas looks to build on its recent success, Neal Brown steps in with a wealth of experience, a proven track record, and a fresh opportunity to lead.
The Mean Green are rolling-and now they’ve got a new voice in the locker room ready to keep that momentum going.