Neal Brown's comments… in context

There was heavy criticism of WVU football head coach Neal Brown on social media following his weekly press conference on Monday. The problem was Brown's comments when a reporter asked him what message he had for fans after three disappointing losses.

Here's the part of the answer that raised the heat:

“I understand they want to win, but I would say: Did they have a good time? Did you like it? It was a pretty good atmosphere. I assume they had quite a bit of fun getting close. So if they’re in on the deal for fun, I’d come back,” Brown said.

Some interpreted Brown's comments to mean that he believed that enjoying the game was more important than winning.

Firstly, it was an unpleasant answer. Mountaineer Nation is disappointed. Losing hurts, especially when fans invest time and more and more money to attend the games. The last thing they want to hear is: Yes, but it was a good time.

But I think Brown wanted to put a positive spin on the WVU football experience and encourage fans to stay engaged. The idea that Brown is trying to convince fans that the party is bigger than the plays is implausible.

What else in Brown's press conference on Monday — or anything else in Brown's time in office — suggests that he believes victory is less important than party? I counted at least two dozen times during Monday's press conference that he took responsibility for the loss, empathized with the disappointed fans and gave the fans credit for the atmosphere last Saturday night.

And if you listen to his entire answer to the question, you'll hear Brown say he understands the fans' frustration and hopes: “They come back for another entertaining game, but hopefully we can play better in the end and win.”

One of Brown's characteristics that makes him vulnerable to criticism is that he actually tries to answer questions. His press conferences and interviews typically contain specific information relevant to the previous game, upcoming competition and on-field performances.

So many coaches and even officials obfuscate, try to change the narrative or simply refuse to answer. There are also worst-case scenarios where coaches or politicians ban reporters if they don't like the questions. Brown always answered all questions and spent his time here with Mountaineer Nation.

But I'm not naive. Yes, character is important, but coaches are measured by success on the field. Brown's record is 34-32 after five and a half seasons. Fans expected more this year. The Pitt loss will be a season-long problem, and Iowa State's loss on an otherwise celebratory night reinforced the idea that the Mountaineers are barely treading water in the conference.

Fans who invest their time, energy and money expect better, and it's up to Brown, his staff and the players who are now paid for their performance to deliver. If Brown loses his job, it will be because of wins and losses, not because he made an innocuous comment on social media that was taken out of context.

(You can watch the entire Brown press conference and judge for yourself here.)