Brad Brownell (born November 15, 1968) is an American college basketball coach from Evansville, Indiana, and the head men’s basketball coach at Clemson University. Brownell is the winningest head coach in Clemson men’s basketball history and has also served as head coach at UNC Wilmington and Wright State.

Early life

Brownell was born in Evansville and attended William Henry Harrison High School, where he played basketball alongside future Indiana University and NBA star Calbert Cheaney.

Brownell graduated from DePauw University in 1991 and began his coaching career as an assistant under Jim Crews at the University of Evansville. He later served as an assistant at the University of Indianapolis and UNC Wilmington.

Head coaching career

Brownell became head coach at UNC Wilmington in 2002. During four seasons, he led the Seahawks to two Colonial Athletic Association championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2003 and 2006. He was twice named CAA Coach of the Year.

In 2006, Brownell became head coach at Wright State, leading the Raiders to the Horizon League championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance during his first season.

Clemson

Brownell was named head coach at Clemson University in 2010. During his tenure, he has led the Tigers to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a run to the Elite Eight in 2024, Clemson’s first appearance in the regional final since 1980.

In February 2025, Brownell became Clemson’s all-time winningest men’s basketball coach, surpassing Cliff Ellis.

Brownell has remained closely connected to Evansville throughout his career and was inducted into the Greater Evansville Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.