On April 2, 2013, New Mexico promoted Neal to head coach, after Alford left to take the head coaching position at UCLA. In Neal's first season as head coach, New Mexico finished 27–7, including 15–3 and second place in the Mountain West Conference.
On April 2, 2013, New Mexico appointed Neal as head coach after Alford left to take the head coaching position at UCLA. In his first season as head coach, New Mexico finished with a record of 27–7, including a 15–3 conference record and second place in the Mountain West Conference.