DAYTON - Brad Brownell, Wright State head men's basketball coach the past four seasons, has accepted a similar position at Clemson University. The Indiana native became the seventh coach in Wright State history on March 31, 2006 and led the Raiders to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 and four seasons of 20 or more wins. WSU Director of Athletics Bob Grant will hold a press conference Wednesday morning.
"Brad was able to lift our program to another level which will allow us to continue this progression of success in the future," Grant said. "Today, we are better for hiring Brad here and he is better for having been hired. I wish Brad, Paula, Abby and Kate all the best."
Since his WSU appointment, the Raiders have blossomed into one of the top teams of the Horizon League with great recruiting classes. In eight years as a head coach, he has averaged 21 wins a season and has led two schools to three NCAA Tournaments.
"I have made many friends at Wright State and could not begin to praise the University administration for its great support over the past four years," Brownell said. "I specifically wish to thank Dr. Michael Cusack and Bob Grant for their leadership. Bob is an outstanding athletic director who will continue to push the department to new heights. This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family, and we wish WSU the best in the future. I know the Raiders will be successful in all sports."
Additionally, Brownell was one of 15 finalists for the Hugh Durham Coach of the Year Award for mid-major programs in 2007. That year, he added to his resume a Horizon League Player of the Year, first-team selection, Defensive Team member and two Newcomer Team members. In 2008, Vaughn Duggins received first-team honors as well while Todd Brown was second team in 2009. Duggins was named to the second team in 2010.
After his team won the 2006-07 Horizon League regular season and tournament titles, he was named the NABC District 10 Coach of the Year which covers all Division I schools in Ohio and Indiana. From day one, his focus has been on the student-athletes.
Prior to Wright State, Brownell led the UNC Wilmington men's basketball program to an unprecedented era of success. The Evansville, Indiana native brings a four-year head coaching record of 83-40 to the Raiders along with two NCAA Tournament berths. UNCW posted a 25-8 mark his final season and won the CAA Tournament, beating Final Four participant George Mason University. The Seahawks lost in overtime to George Washington University 88-85. His four-year Colonial Athletic Association record was 61-22, which was the best during the period. Brownell was twice named the CAA Coach of the Year (2003 and 2006) and twice the collegeinsider.com Coach of the Year. Foxsports.com also named him the Mid-Major Coach of the Year in 2006.
Brownell earned his Bachelor's Degree from DePauw University in 1991 and completed his Master's Degree at the University of Indianapolis in 1994.
Release courtesy of Wright State Sports Information Office.
Tags: Wright State - Men's Basketball
