American University men’s basketball head coach Mike Brennan has agreed to a new contract with AU. The reigning Patriot League Coach of the Year signed a new six-year contract, extending his current deal by two years, keeping him in D.C. through 2020.
In his first season at the helm of the Eagles, Brennan led the squad to a 10-win turnaround, defying a preseason predication of ninth place in the Patriot League, winning the League Tournament in Boston, Massachusetts and bringing American to its third-ever NCAA Tournament.
"We are tremendously excited to extend our agreement with Coach Brennan," said Director of Athletics & Recreation Dr. Billy Walker. "This clearly demonstrates our shared commitment to keep American among the Patriot League elites, as well as Mike’s commitment to continue building our program. The future is bright for AU men’s basketball."
In addition to conference coach of the year honors, Brennan was tabbed as a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, which honors the top first-year head coach in the country, as well as the Hugh Durham Award, the national mid-major coach.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to represent American University and excited to extend my time here at AU," said Brennan. "The support from the athletic department and from the university has been tremendous and I look forward to building upon a successful year."
Brennan’s 2013-14 team tied a program record with 13 conference wins and started the league slate a perfect 10-0, one win shy of the all-time AU record set by legendary coach Gary Williams in 1980-81. American became one of only five teams nationally to open the conference slate with 10-straight victories.
Brennan also had the greatest first year of any AU coach, tying the program record for wins (20), set by American Hall of Famer Ed Tapscott. The Eagles were also among the statistical leaders in the nation, finishing the season ranked seventh overall in field goal percentage (.495) and points allowed per game (59.1). Brennan has been on the AU staff for each of American’s three NCAA appearances, serving as an assistant coach in 2008 and 2009.
