Coach Perry Announces This Season Will Be His Last

KNOXVILLE, Tn- With mixed feelings, we're announcing that Brandon Perry is ending his tenure as our head men's basketball coach following this season. Our feelings are mixed because we're grateful Coach Perry will remain Johnson's athletic director and a member of our senior leadership team!

Brandon began coaching the men's basketball team in 2015 and became athletic director in 2018. During his time as coach, he led the team to five NCCAA national tournament appearances (2016, '18, '19, '20, '21), three final fours ('18, '19, '21), and one national championship in 2021. He was named Mideast Region Coach of the Year in 2016, 2018, and 2021 and 2018 National Coach of the Year. He also served as NCCAA Mideast Region Basketball Chair and the NCCAA Basketball National Vice-Chair.

"I took the coaching position at Johnson thinking it was going to be a short-term thing," Coach Perry says. "I fell in love with it and here we are eight seasons later. I love the bond that happens among teammates and with coaches. We've done a lot of special things over the years together but most importantly we lived life together. My kids have only known life with my players. Judah was one when I started and would watch practice in a Pack & Play. So this was a tough decision to make. I know this is not the end of my connection with Johnson basketball, but a new chapter. I have no doubt this program is going to thrive and that our athletic department will be better for this move. We are celebrating the past and all that has happened with Johnson basketball while also looking forward to a new future. I love my guys and that is not changing."

Brandon Perry's eight years of coaching have made a lasting impact on countless athletes. Over the last eight years, Brandon has coached 21 All-Region players, six NCCAA All-Americans, three NCCAA Pete Maravich Award winners, and 29 scholar-athletes. Among his former players include five men who currently coach at the high school level, three who coach at other colleges, and five who serve as ministers.

Brandon's leadership can be seen by how he pushes his players to have strong character on and off the court. He has focused on developing his players into hardworking, motivated, godly young men who graduate and go into the world ready to make a difference. Johnson University has been blessed by his leadership as a coach and looks forward to his ongoing work as athletic director. We appreciate the standard he sets for the culture of Johnson athletics!