Clemson extends coach Brad Brownell through 2028-29

After taking the program to the Elite Eight, Clemson coach Brad Brownell was rewarded Thursday with a contract extension through the 2028-29 season. Reports said the Clemson board of trustees approved a new contract that will pay Brownell $20 million over five years, starting with $3.5 million next season and growing by $250,000 every year thereafter. Clemson announced Brownell's deal Thursday without divulging financial terms. "I'm honored and grateful to continue to lead the Clemson Basketball program," Brownell said in a statement. "I want to thank (athletic director) Graham Neff, President Jim Clements and our entire administration for their continued belief and confidence in me and my staff. I am extremely proud of our recent success, both on and off the court, and there is not a better time than now to be a part of the Clemson family." Brownell, 55, is the program's winningest coach with a 265-189 record in 14 seasons on the job. Under Brownell's guidance, the Tigers have made four NCAA Tournaments, including the Sweet 16 in 2018. This past March, Clemson was a No. 6 seed and beat No. 11 seed New Mexico, No. 3 seed Baylor and No. 2 seed Arizona to make the second Elite Eight in program history. The Tigers' run ended with an 89-82 loss to No. 4 seed Alabama. The deal comes one day after ACC rival Pitt extended coach Jeff Capel through 2029-30. --Field Level Media