In His 17th Season In Charge of Bears
CHN Staff Report
Brendan Whittet, head coach at Brown for 17 years and an alum, is stepping down to take family medical leave, effective Feb. 20.
After returning from leave, Whittet will move into a role in the Brown administration.
Assistant coach Jason Smith will assume head coaching duties as of Feb. 20, and remain interim coach pending a national search for a replacement.
“For over half my life, Brown University has been more than just an institution to me; it has been my home, my community, and my passion,” Whittet said. “From my days as a student-athlete to my tenure as head coach, I have poured my heart into this program and this university. This place is woven into the fabric of who I am.
“However, at this moment, I need to prioritize my family’s health and recovery and will be taking a family medical leave, as my energy needs to be directed toward my loved ones. While stepping away from the bench is difficult, I am incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. Grace Calhoun and Jake Silverman, who will allow me to transition into a new athletic administrative role upon my return. I look forward to continuing to serve the university I love in this new capacity.”
A former defenseman for the Bears, Whittet took over in 2009-10, and has put up a 149-291-59 record, including 4-16-0 this year. Brown has two winning seasons in his tenure, and reached the ECAC final four three times.
A Providence, R.I., native, Whittet played for Brown from 1990-94, putting up 2-9—11 in 73 games. He was a member of Brown’s 1992-93 team, coached by Bob Gaudet, that lost the ECAC championship game, but qualified for the NCAA Tournament, the program’s most recent appearance.