Mike Martin Named Men's Basketball Head Coach at Brown

Courtesy of Brown Sports Information

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- When Thomas Wolfe wrote, "you can never come home again," he didn't have Mike Martin in mind. Brown University has named the former Brown basketball standout as its 31st men's basketball head coach in the program's 106-year history in an announcement made today by Athletic Director Jack Hayes. Martin is the fourth youngest men's basketball head coach in Division I.

"Mike Martin will bring tremendous energy, enthusiasm and leadership to the Brown Basketball program," said Hayes. "His experience in the Ivy League as both a successful student-athlete and coach has prepared him for this opportunity. We are excited that he is returning to his alma mater and look forward to the program returning to the top of the Ivy League."

A four-year starter at Brown, Martin was part of the winningest class in the Bears' basketball history, posting a 63-45 four-year record from 2000-04. He also helped the Class of 2004 to a school-record 39-17 Ivy League mark during that period -- the best by an Ivy League team other than Penn and Princeton since 1970.

"I'm honored and thrilled to have the opportunity to be the head coach at Brown, a school at which I have so many fond memories," said Martin. "I'd like to thank Vice President Margaret Klawunn, Athletic Director Jack Hayes, retiring Athletic Director Mike Goldberger, and the entire search committee for their belief in me. I am anxious to start working to improve our program. I believe strongly in all we have to offer at Brown and am eager to connect with all the current players, Brown alumni, fans, and supporters."

An economics concentrator as an undergraduate, Martin was co-captain of Brown's 2003-2004 team that finished second in the Ivy League standings for the third time in his four years, and defeated Princeton for the first time ever in Princeton, New Jersey. He also helped the Bears to a school-record four straight winning seasons.

A native of Agawam, Mass., where he starred at Cathedral High School, Martin averaged 11 points per game for Brown as a senior. He also played a major role on the Bears' 2003 team that posted a 12-2 Ivy League mark and earned a berth in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). When he graduated, Martin ranked third all-time at Brown in career treys (143), ninth in career steals (113), and tenth in career assists (232).

After graduating from Brown, Martin spent the 2004-05 season playing professionally for Dart Killester in Ireland's top division of professional basketball.

Martin launched his coaching career at Brown on head coach Glen Miller's staff as an assistant coach in 2005-2006. He joined Miller at Penn in 2006-2007 as an assistant coach and enjoyed a memorable season, with the Quakers posting a 22-9 record, wining the Ivy League Championship with a 13-1 League mark, and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

This past season, his sixth at Penn, he helped head coach Jerome Allen and the Quakers post 20 wins overall for the first time since 2006-07, finishing second in the Ivy League at 11-3, one game behind Harvard in the standings. Penn then played in the postseason College Basketball Invitational, defeating Quinnipiac in the opening round before falling to Butler in the quarterfinal round.

Martin has helped recruit and mentor some of the Ivy League's top players during his time at Brown and Penn, including Matt Mullery '10, Brown's all-time leader in blocked shots, and Penn's Zack Rosen, the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2011-12 and the program's all-time assist leader.

Martin is one of 11 Brown alumni on the current Brown athletic department staff, joining Paul Cooke '89 (Men's Crew Head Coach), Joe Donahue '07 (Men's Crew Assistant Coach), Colleen Kelly '06 (Women's Basketball Assistant Coach), Bob Kenneally '90 (Senior Associate Athletic Director), Craig Kinsley '11 (Track & Field Assistant Coach - Throws), Keely McDonald '00 (Women's Lacrosse Head Coach), Phoebe Murphy '80 (Women's Crew Assistant Coach), Catherine Starr (Women's Crew Assistant Coach), Lars Tiffany '90 (Men's Lacrosse Head Coach) and Brendan Whittet '94 (Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach).

Martin and his wife, the former Kristin Ferrell '04, who played soccer at Brown, have a daughter, Keira.

What They Are Saying About Mike Martin:

Penn Men's Basketball Head Coach Jerome Allen:
"I am extremely happy for Mike and his family; his hiring is well-deserved. Mike has done the University of Pennsylvania a great service for the last six years, and it is only right that he get the opportunity to run his own program. As I have learned the last three years, it is a special opportunity to oversee a program that you once played in, and I know that Mike will embrace that opportunity at Brown. With the exception of two times each season, I wish Mike nothing but the best of success."

University of Michigan Men's Basketball Head Coach John Beilein:
"It was just a matter of time before Mike Martin became a head coach at the Division I level. Mike is an impressive young man with great potential as a leader and a basketball coach. He understands what it takes to win in the Ivy League and gives Brown a rising star in the coaching profession."

Hofstra Men's Basketball Head Coach Mo Cassara:
"Mike Martin is one of the most talented and energetic young coaches in the country. Mike's return to Brown is a wonderful hire for the basketball program, the athletic department and the university community."

Boston College Men's Basketball Head Coach Steve Donahue:
"Brown could not have hired a better person or coach. He understands what Brown and the Ivy League is all about, and he's the perfect guy for the job. Watching him grow as a player and coach, I always thought Mike would be an Ivy League head coach."

Hartford Men's Basketball Head Coach John Gallagher:
"Having worked with Mike for two years and seeing first hand the work ethic, discipline and energy he exhibited, it will come at no surprise when Brown Basketball plays with those same qualities."

Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris:
"Mike had an outstanding playing career as an Ivy League student-athlete and has built on those experiences to find great success as a coach. I wish him all the best as he embarks on the next stage of his coaching career at Brown."

Brown's All-Time Leading Scorer Earl Hunt '03:
"As an alum and teammate of Mike, I'm extremely pleased at the decision to have him lead the Brown basketball program.  He's smart, energetic and hates to lose. Mike's well connected in recruiting circles, and is a wonderful representative of Brown. The program could not be in better hands."

Delaware Athletic Director and NCAA Basketball Committeeman Bernard Muir '90:
"Mike's enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge of the game make him a great hire for Brown. Mike exudes confidence in everything he does. As a former player, I'm excited about the leadership Mike will bring to the program. The Brown basketball community is ready to stand behind him."

Former Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese:
"I remember Mike as a very good basketball player and outstanding competitor at Brown. The basketball program at Brown will be in great hands under his leadership."