Sept. 28, 2012

2012 Coaching Changes  

Brownlee named head coach at Western Illinois

Former Iowa assistant coach Ryan Brownlee (left) has been hired as the head coach at Western Illinois.

Brownlee replaces Mike Villano, who resigned in August.

Brownlee has been a NCAA Division I assistant coach for 15 years, including the past nine at Iowa. He was also recruiting coordinator for the Hawkeyes.

From 2000-03, Brownlee was an assistant at James Madison. He helped the Dukes win the CAA title in 2002 and advance to the NCAA Tournament.

A four-year starter at Evansville, Brownlee played for his father, Jim Brownlee. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and was named the school’s Most Outstanding Male Athlete following his senior campaign. Following graduation, he became an assistant coach for his father at Evansville.

Brownlee coached for two summers in the Cape Cod League and two summers coaching the Quincy Gems in the Central Illinois Collegiate League.

(photo courtesy of Iowa Media Relations Office)