Wentworth’s Interim Athletic Director Tom Gang announced the appointment of Matt Brown as the head coach of the Red Dragons men’s basketball program. Brown is the second head coach for the college since the reintroduction of athletics in 2011.
“I am excited that Matt has decided to join us at Wentworth and the athletics department family in the role of head men’s basketball coach,” stated Gang. “I am confident that Coach Brown will mentor out student-athletes and help them succeed, on and off the court.”
Coach Brown will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the men’s basketball program at Wentworth, coming in with nineteen years of coaching experience at the NCAA Division I level. Brown has coached under some of the best that basketball has to offer, including Billy Donovan (Oklahoma City Thunder) and John Beilein (University of Michigan).
Coach Brown comes to Wentworth after serving as a Boy’s Varsity Basketball Coach at the Northland Christian School. Prior to his time at Northland, Brown held the title of Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Missouri-Kansas City during 2007-2013 seasons.
Before his time with the UMKC Roos, Coach Brown served as a key member of John Beilein’s staff at West Virginia University where he was responsible for the recruitment of student-athletes and served as a compliance representative. In 2004-05, Brown helped the Mountaineers advance to their first Big East Tournament Championship game, and they carried their momentum to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. A year later, WVU advanced to the NCAA Sweet 6 with a 22- mark. Last season with a young squad, West Virginia claimed the NIT Championship, as they finished with a 27-9 overall record.
Before moving to West Virginia, Brown served as an assistant coach at the University of Richmond under Beilein from 997-2002. Their 997-98 squad posted a 23-8 overall record and secured an NCAA Tournament berth. With the Spiders, Brown led the development of the post players and he oversaw the underclassmen recruiting.
Prior to joining Beilein’s staff, Brown spent three years under the tutelage of Billy Donovan at Marshall University and the University of Florida. Serving as an administrative assistant at both universities, Brown handled mailouts to underclassmen and assisted with the day-to-day operations of both programs.
Brown started his coaching career at his alma mater, Shippensburg University, as a student assistant. He played for the Red Raiders from 91-93 after transferring from Northern Kentucky University where he suited up from 88-90. Brown received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Shippensburg in 94.
“I would like to thank Interim Athletic Director Tom Gang for the privilege to lead the Men’s Basketball Program at Wentworth Military Academy and College,” stated Coach Brown. “I am excited to be back coaching at the collegiate level and look forward to mentoring these young men in every aspect of their lives. My family and I feel honored to be the newest members of the WMAC family.”
