WVU Athletic Director Wren Baker recently addressed the situation surrounding the West Virginia University (WVU) football program, acknowledging that the current state of the team is “not good enough.” His candid remarks reflect the growing frustration and urgency surrounding the program’s struggles and the pressure on both coaching staff and leadership to improve results. This assessment comes after a series of disappointing seasons that have seen WVU struggle to live up to the high expectations of its fanbase and alumni.
Baker’s comments highlight the critical nature of the football program at WVU, which serves as a centerpiece of the university’s athletics. Historically, West Virginia football has enjoyed periods of success, with the program regularly competing in bowl games and producing NFL-caliber players. However, in recent years, the Mountaineers have failed to consistently compete at a high level in the Big 12 Conference, leading to questions about the future of the program.
The 2023 season, in particular, has been a source of frustration for WVU fans. The team has faced inconsistency in performance, and key games have been lost in ways that have exposed weaknesses in coaching, execution, and recruitment. For Baker, these shortcomings are unacceptable, particularly given the significant investment the university has made in its athletic facilities and the football program. WVU has poured millions of dollars into upgrading its facilities, including a new state-of-the-art football operations center, but those investments have yet to translate into a more competitive team on the field.
Baker’s statement that the current state of the football program is “not good enough” is likely aimed at sending a message to both the coaching staff and the players. It underscores the importance of accountability and the need for immediate improvement. While he did not explicitly call for the dismissal of head coach Neal Brown, it is clear that the pressure is mounting for the coaching staff to produce results. Brown, who has been at the helm of the program since 2019, has faced increasing scrutiny due to his inability to elevate the team to a higher level of competitiveness in the Big 12. Although Brown has had some positive moments, including a win over Oklahoma State in 2023, overall, the results have been underwhelming, and there is a sense of stagnation.
In addressing the future of the program, Baker also mentioned the importance of recruiting and player development. The football landscape is evolving rapidly, with the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements playing a significant role in reshaping team rosters. For WVU to remain competitive, Baker stressed the need for the Mountaineers to attract top talent and build a program that can compete on a national scale. This involves not only recruiting skilled athletes but also developing them within the system to ensure sustained success.
Baker’s comments also reflect the broader challenges facing college football programs today. With the growing influence of conferences like the SEC and Big Ten, as well as changes in college football playoff formats, schools in smaller conferences like the Big 12 are under immense pressure to maintain their relevance and competitive edge. For WVU, the pressure to improve football performance is not just about satisfying fans; it’s about securing the future of the program within the changing dynamics of college football.
Ultimately, Baker’s remarks suggest that a change is needed, whether that involves a shift in coaching philosophy, enhanced player development, or improved recruiting efforts. WVU fans are hoping that the program can turn things around, but the clock is ticking for those in charge to make the necessary adjustments. Time will tell whether Wren Baker’s candid assessment sparks the changes necessary to elevate WVU football back to a level of consistent success.
