Wright State inks men's basketball head coach Brad Brownell through 2014

July 24, 2008

DAYTON, Ohio - Wright State University has awarded a new six-year contract to men's basketball coach Brad Brownell. The new deal signed by Brownell extends his contract with the University through the 2013-14 season.

Brownell, who has averaged more than 21 wins in his six years as a Division I head coach, has compiled a 44-20 record in two years with Wright State. During his six years, he has guided three teams to NCAA Tournaments, including the Raiders in 2007 when WSU posted a 23-10 record.

"Brad has done an outstanding job in a short period of time," WSU Athletic Director Bob Grant said. "His leadership and commitment to Wright State and our student-athletes have led to unparalleled prosperity on the court as well as in the classroom and in the community. His record of success ranks among the top coaches in the nation and I am certainly pleased to have him leading our program and I know our fans feel the same."

Brownell, Horizon League co-Coach of the Year last season, has a 127-60 record as a head coach and returns the bulk of last year's 21-10 team. The Raiders also welcome sophomore Duquesne transfer Scott Grote and junior college player Cory Cooperwood in addition to redshirt freshman Kyle Pressley. Junior guard Vaughn Duggins leads the list of returning players as he averaged just shy of 14 points per contest last year when he was recognized as a First Team All-Horizon League performer. Other starters returning include junior guard Todd Brown (12.8 ppg) and senior point guard Will Graham (3.6 apg).

"My family and I are grateful for the confidence and support shown by the University and we hope we can build on the success we have established," Brownell said. "My staff and I will continue to work hard to make this a top program in the League."

Since his new appointment on March 31, 2006, the Raiders have blossomed into one of the top teams of the Horizon League with great recruiting classes and stellar coaching. He collected his 100th win against Milwaukee, has beaten nationally-ranked Butler three times and led the Raiders to the most road wins ever as a Division I team.

Additionally, Brownell was one of 15 finalists for the Hugh Durham Coach of the Year Award for mid-major programs in 2007. After his team won the 2007 Horizon League regular season and tournament, he was named the NABC District 10 Coach of the Year which covers all Division I schools in Ohio and Indiana.

Prior to joining the Raiders, Brownell was head coach at UNC Wilmington, leading the Seahawk program to an unprecedented era of success. The Evansville, Indiana native compiled a four-year head coaching record of 83-40 there along with two NCAA Tournament berths. UNCW posted a 25-8 mark his final season and won the Colonial Athletic Association Tournament, beating Final Four participant George Mason University. The Seahawks then lost in overtime to George Washington 88-85 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. His four-year Colonial 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.

--Story provided by the Wright State office of sports information