Kristian Ferrell
Will Brown is an American basketball coach who was the head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Albany for two decades, from 2002 to 2021. During his time at Albany, Brown led the Great Danes to five NCAA Division I Tournament appearances and three straight America East titles from 2012 to 2015. After leaving Albany, Brown went on to coach the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League and the women's basketball team at the College of Saint Rose. In 2023, he was named the head coach of the women's basketball team at Division II Saint Rose, and in 2024, he became the head coach of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) women's basketball team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William J. Brown |
| Date of Birth | October 8, 1971 |
| Alma Mater | Dowling College |
| Collegiate Basketball Career | Dowling College |
| Collegiate Basketball Position | Point Guard |
| Coaching Career | 1995-1998 (Assistant Coach, College of Saint Rose), 1998-2001 (Head Coach, Sullivan County Community College), 2001-2002 (Assistant Coach, University at Albany), 2002-2021 (Head Coach, University at Albany), 2021-2022 (Head Coach and General Manager, Albany Patroons), 2022-2023 (Head Coach, College of Saint Rose), 2023-present (Head Coach, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts) |
| Overall Coaching Record | 315-295 |
| Notable Achievements | 5x America East Conference Tournament Champion (2006, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015), 2x America East Regular Season Champion (2006, 2015), TBL National Coach of the Year (2022), Led Albany to 5 NCAA Tournament Appearances |
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What You'll Learn
Will Brown's career at the University of Albany
Will Brown served as the head men's basketball coach at the University of Albany from 2002 to 2021, guiding the Great Danes to five NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. Brown joined the coaching staff at the University of Albany as an assistant coach for the 2001-02 season and was named interim head coach in December 2001. In his 19 seasons as head coach, Brown amassed 315 wins and a career record at the university of 315–295.
In the 2005-2006 season, Brown led the Great Danes to their first-ever America East conference regular-season and tournament championship, as well as their first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance. With the help of two-time America East Player of the Year Jamar Wilson, the team won the America East conference tournament title again in 2007 and returned to the NCAA tournament. From the 2012–13 season to the 2014–15 season, Brown guided Albany to three straight America East titles and NCAA appearances, adding a second conference regular-season title. Over a seven-year span (2011-18), the Great Danes posted a 153-83 record under Brown.
Brown's first collegiate head coaching position was at Sullivan County Community College, where he compiled a record of 90–10 in three seasons and led two of his teams to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) final four. Brown began his coaching career at The College of Saint Rose, serving as an assistant coach for three seasons. He played collegiate basketball at Dowling College, finishing his career as the school's all-time leader in assists, three-point field goals, and free-throw percentage.
On March 1, 2021, Brown and Albany mutually agreed to part ways at the expiration of his contract. After leaving the University of Albany, Brown went on to coach the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League and the women's basketball team at the College of Saint Rose, before being named the head coach of the women's basketball team at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in 2024.
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Will Brown's career after the University of Albany
In March 2021, Brown and the University of Albany mutually agreed to part ways at the expiration of his contract. This decision marked the end of his two-decade-long association with the university's basketball program. However, Brown's coaching expertise remained in high demand. On October 27, 2021, the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League announced Brown as their head coach and general manager for the 2022 season.
In his only season with the Patroons, Brown showcased his exceptional coaching abilities by guiding the team to a remarkable 29-4 record. His leadership resulted in the team winning the Northeast Division Championship, the Eastern Regional Championship, and the Eastern Conference Championship. As a result of his outstanding performance, Brown was named the TBL National Coach of the Year.
Following his successful stint with the Patroons, Brown took on a new challenge as he was named the head coach of the women's basketball team at Division II Saint Rose on June 23, 2023. This appointment marked a return to coaching women's basketball for Brown, as he had previously coached the College of Saint Rose women's team, where he began his coaching career as an assistant.
In September 2024, Brown was selected as the next Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) head women's basketball coach. This decision was influenced by his extensive experience, proven track record of success, and passion for the sport. Brown's appointment at MCLA demonstrates his continued impact on the sport and his ability to take on new challenges, shaping him as a respected figure in the basketball coaching landscape.
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Will Brown's playing career
Will Brown played collegiate basketball at Dowling College, starting for three years. He finished his career as the school's all-time leader in assists, three-point field goals, and free-throw percentage, and is the only player in Dowling history to score 1,000 points and tally 500 assists.
Brown began his coaching career at The College of Saint Rose, serving as an assistant coach for three seasons before becoming a head coach. In 2001, he joined the University at Albany as an assistant coach for the 2001-02 season and was named interim head coach on December 20, 2001. On March 13, 2002, the university officially named him its 15th head coach.
In the 2005-2006 season, Brown led the Great Danes to their first-ever America East conference regular season and tournament championship, as well as its first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance. With the help of two-time America East Player of the Year Jamar Wilson, the team won the America East conference tournament title in 2007 and returned to the NCAA tournament that year.
From the 2012-13 season to the 2014-15 season, Brown guided Albany to three straight America East titles and NCAA appearances, adding a second conference regular-season title. Over a seven-year span (2011-18), the Great Danes posted a 153-83 record under Brown. In total, Brown amassed 315 wins and led the Great Danes to five NCAA Division I Tournament appearances during his time at the University of Albany.
On March 1, 2021, Brown and Albany agreed to part ways at the end of his contract. On October 27, 2021, Brown was hired as the head coach and general manager of the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League for the 2022 season. He then went on to coach the women's basketball team at Division II Saint Rose in 2023 before being selected as the head coach of the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) women's basketball team.
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Will Brown's coaching staff at the University of Albany
Will Brown joined the University at Albany's coaching staff as an assistant coach for the 2001-02 season. On December 20, 2001, he was named interim head coach after Scott Beeten was fired. On March 13, 2002, the university removed the "interim" tag, officially naming Brown its 15th head coach.
Brown led the Great Danes to their first-ever America East conference regular-season and tournament championship in the 2005-06 season, as well as their first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance. With the help of two-time America East Player of the Year Jamar Wilson, the team won the America East conference tournament title again in 2007 and returned to the NCAA tournament.
From the 2012-13 season to the 2014-15 season, Brown guided Albany to three straight America East titles and NCAA appearances, adding a second conference regular-season title. His fifth conference tournament title tied Jim Calhoun for the highest total in America East history. In 2019, Brown earned his 300th career victory as the coach of the Great Danes.
Brown's career record at the University at Albany was 315-295. Over a seven-year span (2011-18), the Great Danes posted a 153-83 record under Brown, but the program struggled after the departures of Joe Cremo and David Nichols, who transferred after the 2017-18 season.
On March 1, 2021, Brown and Albany mutually parted ways at the expiration of his contract. Brown's final season, 2020-21, was the third consecutive losing season for the Great Danes.
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Will Brown's impact on the Albany community
Will Brown, the former head men's basketball coach at the University of Albany, had a significant impact on the Albany community during his two-decade-long tenure.
Brown joined the University of Albany in 2001 as an assistant coach and was named interim head coach in December 2001. In March 2002, he became the official head coach, leading the Great Danes to numerous successes. Under Brown's leadership, the team achieved five NCAA Division I Tournament appearances, including the 2015 season when he was recognised as the America East Coach of the Year. Overall, Brown guided the team to nine postseason invitations and five America East Conference Tournament Championships, the most in the league's history.
During his time at the University of Albany, Brown not only focused on athletic achievements but also prioritised the growth and development of his student-athletes. He emphasised the importance of people, stating that "people make places". This philosophy extended beyond the basketball court, as he recognised the positive impact that his staff, family, and student-athletes had on the greater Albany community.
Brown's dedication to the community was evident in his commitment to building a solid mid-major team. He took a team that had recently transitioned to Division I and transformed it into a competitive force. This included leading the Great Danes to their first-ever America East conference regular season and tournament championship in the 2005-2006 season, as well as their first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance.
After his departure from the University of Albany in 2021, Brown continued to impact the basketball community in Albany. He was hired as the head coach and general manager of the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League for the 2022 season. In his only season with the Patroons, he guided the team to a successful 29-4 record, winning multiple championships, and was named the TBL National Coach of the Year.
Brown's impact on the Albany community extended beyond his time with the University of Albany and the Patroons. He was selected as the head coach of the women's basketball team at Division II Saint Rose in 2023, further contributing to the development of basketball in the area. His extensive experience, passion, and track record of success have been recognised and valued by the Albany community.
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Frequently asked questions
William J. Brown, born on October 8, 1971, is an American basketball coach. He was the former head men's basketball coach at the University at Albany from 2002 to 2021.
Brown led the Great Danes to five NCAA Division I Tournament appearances and three straight America East titles from 2012-13 to 2014-15. He also guided the team to its first America East conference regular-season and tournament championship in the 2005-06 season.
After leaving Albany, Will Brown went on to coach the Albany Patroons of The Basketball League for the 2022 season. He then became the head coach of the women's basketball team at Division II Saint Rose in 2023.
Will Brown was recently selected as the head coach of the women's basketball team at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
Will Brown's career record at the University at Albany was 315-295. Over a seven-year span (2011-18), the Great Danes posted a 153-83 record under his coaching.
