James Madison Head Coach Preston Spradlin announced on Wednesday, June 18, that veteran college assistant coach Brendan Foley will join the men’s basketball coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 season.
“My family and I are thrilled to be joining Coach Spradlin, his staff, and the entire JMU family,” Foley said. “This program’s tradition of excellence and strong winning culture makes it a special place, and we’re excited to be part of it. I look forward to investing in our players, supporting their development, and contributing to the continued growth of this great team and university.”
“I am excited to welcome Coach Foley and his family to Harrisonburg!” Spradlin said. “He is a veteran coach that I have known for over 12 years and kept on my list of people I would want to work with if the opportunity presented itself. He will be a terrific fit within our staff and add to the culture of our program!”
Foley brings nearly two decades of collegiate coaching experience to Harrisonburg after serving as an assistant coach at Sam Houston from 2023-25, where he helped the Bearkats to their first regular-season Conference USA Championship in the 2023-24 campaign.
Before his stop at Sam Houston, Foley spent three seasons at Buffalo, where he served as Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. During his tenure, he helped the Bulls reach the 2021 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship game along with the 2021 National Invitational Tournament (NIT) for just the second time in school history.
Prior to Buffalo, Foley was the head coach at Chipola College in Marianna, Fla., for two seasons (2018-20), where he accumulated a 45-15 record. In his first season, he led Chipola to a 27-5 record and a Final Four finish in the Region VIII tournament.
His two seasons as head coach followed six years (2012-18) as an assistant at Chipola, where he was named the No. 2 JUCO assistant coach in the country, according to coachstat.net. His time at Chipola followed four seasons (2008-12) where he was an assistant coach at Santa Fe College (Fla.).
Foley earned his master’s degree in May 2008 from Kansas State University, where he served as a Graduate Assistant for legendary coaches Bob Huggins and Frank Martin. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, where he entered as a practice player and served as head student manager under coaches Huggins and Andy Kennedy. Foley also played one year at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo.
Foley and his wife, Natalie, have a five-year-old son Reid and a dog, Oaklie.
The hire will be officially completed pending a successful background check.
Brendan Foley Coaching File:
- James Madison (Assistant): 2025-present
- Sam Houston State (Assistant): 2023-25
- Buffalo (Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator): 2020-23
- Chipola College (Head Coach): 2018-20
- Chipola College (Assistant): 2012-18
- Santa Fe College (Assistant): 2008-12
- Kansas State (Graduate Assistant): 2006-08
