According to a tweet from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Clemson plans to bring back Brad Brownell as its head coach in men’s basketball.
Brownell just finished up his 10th season at Clemson; during his time there, the Tigers have amassed a record of 184-142 (.566). Brownell has led Clemson to only two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2018.
Clemson's Brad Brownell is expected to return as the Tigers' head coach next season, sources told ESPN.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) March 13, 2020
Led by All-ACC forward Aamir Simms, Clemson finished the 2019-20 season with a 16-15 (9-11 ACC) record. The Tigers also ended the year ranked 33rd in adjusted defensive efficiency — a calling card of Brownell. In terms of adjusted efficiency, Clemson’s defense has ranked inside the top 20 in four different seasons under Brownell, per KenPom.
Less than two years ago (July 2018), Brownell agreed to a contract extension; this came mere months after the team won 25 games, which tied a program record, and went to the Sweet 16. That deal reportedly signed Brownell to Clemson through 2024. Since then, though, Clemson has a combined record of 36-29 over the last two seasons. After starting the 2018-19 season ranked in the preseason AP Top 25, Clemson failed to make the NCAA Tournament.
This season ended on a far more bizarre now, however. Brownell and Clemson were on the floor warming up, getting ready to play Florida State in the second round of the ACC Tournament, when the league decided to cancel the event due to concerns with the COVID-19 virus.