Fairfield University Men’s Basketball interim head coach Chris Casey has announced two additions to the Stags’ coaching staff for the 2023-24 season. Veteran coach Glenn Braica and former Fairfield standout Taj Benning will join the Stags on the sidelines in the upcoming campaign.
Glenn Braica was most recently the head coach of St. Francis Brooklyn for 13 seasons from 2010-23. He amassed 178 wins leading the Terriers, including a 23-win campaign in 2014-15 culminating with an NEC Regular Season Championship and a berth in the NIT. Braica previously served as an assistant coach alongside Coach Casey at both St. Francis and St. John’s.
Braica graduated from Queens College in 1989.
“I have known Glenn for a long time, and his teams have always been well-prepared and difficult to play against,” said Casey. “He brings a wealth of experience and basketball knowledge that will be beneficial to our student-athletes on gamedays as well as in the practice gym and film room.”
Taj Benning played 145 games in five seasons as a Stag – the second-most appearances in Fairfield Basketball history behind his teammate Jesus Cruz. Benning scored 1,175 points to rank 28th all-time and also recorded over 500 rebounds and 200 assists. He helped guide the Stags to the MAAC Championship Game in both 2018 and 2021.
A 2021 Fairfield graduate, Benning began his professional career with Cockburn of the Australian NBL1 league this past season. He averaged 16.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his first campaign as a pro.
“I can’t think of a better ambassador for Fairfield University than Taj Benning,” Casey said. “It was a privilege to coach him for three seasons as he developed into a consummate competitor and leader. I am thrilled to have him on our bench to begin his coaching career back here at Fairfield.”
