How family, sabbatical and a former Apache pilot prepared coach Neal Brown for UNT reload
Published on Friday, 6 February 2026 at 11:45 am

As the University of North Texas football team prepares for the upcoming season, there is a sense of optimism and anticipation surrounding the program. The Mean Green, who were one win away from the 12-team postseason, have expectations to contend in the conference and nationally. At the helm of this renewed sense of purpose is coach Neal Brown, who has undergone a transformative journey that has prepared him for the challenges ahead.
Brown's path to UNT was not a straightforward one. After a successful stint as the head coach at West Virginia, he took a sabbatical to recharge and refocus. During this time, he had the opportunity to spend quality time with his family, which he credits as a pivotal factor in his personal and professional growth. Brown's family has been a constant source of support and inspiration, and he often speaks about the importance of having a strong family foundation in his life. This experience has allowed him to approach his coaching duties with a renewed sense of purpose and energy.
In addition to his family, Brown has also drawn inspiration from an unlikely source - a former Apache pilot. The pilot's experiences and insights have had a profound impact on Brown's coaching philosophy, particularly in regards to leadership and decision-making. The pilot's ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations has been a valuable lesson for Brown, who has applied these principles to his own coaching style. This unique perspective has allowed Brown to develop a more nuanced and effective approach to the game, one that emphasizes discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
As the Mean Green look to build on their previous season's success, Brown's leadership and vision will be crucial in driving the team forward. With a talented roster and a strong coaching staff, UNT has the potential to make a deep run in the conference and beyond. Brown's experience, combined with his newfound perspective and approach, has prepared him to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. The Mean Green's fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season, and with Brown at the helm, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation that has not been felt in years.
The team's offense, led by a talented group of players, is expected to be a major strength this season. Brown's ability to adapt and innovate has been key in developing a system that plays to the team's strengths, and the results have been impressive. The Mean Green's defense, meanwhile, has been bolstered by a number of key additions, and the team's special teams unit is also expected to be a major factor. With all the pieces in place, UNT is poised to make a serious push for conference and national recognition.
As the season approaches, the Mean Green are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. With coach Neal Brown leading the charge, the team is ready to take on all comers and make a statement on the national stage. The combination of Brown's experience, his team's talent, and the lessons he has learned from his sabbatical and the former Apache pilot have prepared UNT for a reload that could have far-reaching implications for the program.
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Source: dallasnews
