Clemson hoops coach Brad Brownell receives new contract

Clemson men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell received a new contract Friday morning.

Brownell, who is entering his 12th season at Clemson, had his new deal approved by the Clemson Board of Trustees.

Brownell has signed a five-year deal, which will pay him $2.6 million this season, $2.75 million in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and $3 million in 2024-25 and 2025-26. His previous deal was set to expire in 2024. Brownell was set to make $2.2 million this season before the new deal.

“Brad continues to be a great leader and ambassador for our men’s basketball program. In addition to being our all-time winningest coach and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in one of the most challenging years in recent memory, he continues to maintain a focus on academic performance,” Clemson AD Dan Radakovich said in a statement. “Brad has been instrumental to our fundraising success in recent improvements, and his leadership, character and performance are key to our program going forward.”

Clemson reached the NCAA Tournament for the third time under Brownell last season, earning a No. 7 seed. The Tigers ended up dropping a close contest to No. 10 seed Rutgers to finish the year 16-8.

The Tigers also reached the NCAA Tournament under Brownell in 2011 and 2018, advancing to the Sweet 16 in that 2018 season.

Brownell has a 201-150 record during his time leading Clemson.

Brownell spent time as the head coach at Wright State and UNC Wilmington before taking over the Tigers program prior to the 2010-11 season.

In addition to three NCAA Tournament berths, the Tigers have also reached the NIT three times under Brownell.

“I want to thank Dan Radakovich, President Jim Clements and the Board of Trustees for continuing to support my leadership of our Clemson basketball program. None of this would be possible without the outstanding young men I’ve coached and dedicated assistant coaches and staff who have worked alongside me the past 11 years,” Brownell said in a statement. “I am blessed to continue to coach at this great University and I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish, both on and off the court, and look forward to continuing our program’s upward trajectory.”

Clemson is losing its star player in Aamir Simms off of last year’s roster but still returns plenty of talent.

The Tigers open the season with an exhibition game against Georgia Southwestern State on Nov. 1.

Clemson begins the regular season Nov. 9 when the Tigers host Presbyterian. The ACC opener is at Miami on Dec. 4.

Clemson coach Brad Brownell contract details

Total compensation

2021-22: $2.6 million

2022-23: $2.75 million

2023-24: $2.75 million

2024-25: $3 million

2025-26: $3 million

Buyout if fired without cause

May 1, 2021-April 30, 2022: $50,000 per month remaining

May 1, 2022-April 30, 2023: $65,000 per month remaining

May 1, 2023-April 30, 2024: $85,000 per month remaining

May 1, 2024-April 30, 2025: $125,000 per month remaining

May 1, 2025-April 30, 2026: $250,000 per month remaining