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The Clemson Tigers are headed to the Big Dance this season after posting a 21-10 regular season record. Despite that on-court success from a program not traditionally known for its basketball prowess, many around the university are hoping to see a change at the helm.
Brad Brownell has roamed the sidelines for 14 seasons, leading Clemson to three previous NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2018. While his squad is currently projected to be a six-seed by Joe Lunardi, the fanbase is calling for his termination.
Those supporters are already expecting a quick March Madness exit, referencing Brownell’s history of providing a false sense of hope only to fall flat.
The story has been the same for much of his tenure. The Tigers often get off to quick starts before fading late in the season.
That was again the case in 2024 as Clemson won 11 of its first 12 games with victories over Alabama and South Carolina. But after being picked to finish near the top of the ACC, the Tigers disappointed.
Brownell’s bunch posted an 11-9 mark in league play to land the No. 6 seed in the conference tournament, and they’ve been on a downward trajectory with the postseason nearing.
Clemson has lost three of its last four games, with each of those defeats coming to teams the Tigers were expected to beat. The season came to an ugly close with a 21-point shellacking at the hands of 11-seed Boston College in the ACC Tournament.
That loss had the fanbase fuming – to the point of wishing for an early NCAA Tournament exit in hopes of speeding up the firing process!
It’s unfortunately a common theme for Brownell, who seems to live on the hot seat. If Clemson fans get their wish at the end of the year, they’ve already honed in on a replacement.
Clemson fans want Will Wade to replace Brad Brownell.
And for good reason.
Not only is Wade a Clemson graduate, but he’s one of the hottest names in college basketball.
Everyone knows his story at LSU. While successful, he was ultimately fired for recruiting violations. He’s now reinvented himself with McNeese State.
After serving an initial suspension after being hired, he’s led the Cowboys to an incredible 30-3 record. The university is doing what it can to keep him put, but outside suitors are sure to come calling.
Will Clemson be included in that group? Tiger fans sure hope so!