The College of the Holy Cross announced today that Brett Nelson, its head men’s basketball coach, will not return for the 2023-2024 season. The College plans to conduct a national search for his successor according to Kit Hughes, associate vice president for intercollegiate athletics.
The Crusaders compiled a record of 27-84 overall (21-49 Patriot League record) in four seasons under Nelson after he was hired on July 3, 2019.
“I want to thank Brett for his service and commitment to the College and our student-athletes over the last four seasons,” Hughes said. “He led the program through the COVID-19 pandemic and his teams worked hard to represent the College in a first-class manner. That said, after much discussion and thoughtful evaluation of all areas of our program, I believe that a fresh start and new leadership is needed to move Crusader men’s basketball forward.”
In the coming weeks, Holy Cross will initiate a national search for a head coach to lead a program that has participated in 13 NCAA Tournaments, competed in two NCAA Final Fours, and won both the 1947 NCAA and 1954 National Invitational Tournament championships. Crusader basketball boasts both college and NBA legends among its alumni, and Holy Cross is located in the heart of one of the great basketball cities in the country.
“With our resources here at the Luth Athletic Complex, the world-class education Holy Cross provides, incredibly supportive fans and alumni, and accelerated growth in the city of Worcester, we must raise our standards and expectations for success throughout our program,” Hughes said. “The time is now.”
