Mike Noonan Leaves Brown for Clemson

Mike Noonan, one of the most successful coaches in Brown University's soccer history, has left the program after 15 years in order to take the reins at Clemson. It's a path that is becoming familiar since Noonan's predecessor at Brown, Trevor Adair, also left for Clemson and coached the Tigers for 14 years before resigning under controversial circumstances last June.

Noonan led the Bears to 10 NCAA Tournament appearances and eight Ivy League Championships in his 15 years in charge. He becomes Clemson's fifth coach in the 75-year history of the program. The Tigers have National Championships in 1984 and 1987, and Atlantic Coast Conference Championships on thirteen occasions.

"Clemson has a lot of history and success in collegiate soccer and we look forward to adding on to that success in the future," said Noonan in a statement. "My family and I are excited about coming to Clemson and joining the Tiger family. To leave a place like Brown, it had to be a special opportunity, and Clemson was this special opportunity.

"I want to thank Terry Don Phillips and Kyle Young for entrusting me with the leadership of the Clemson Men's Soccer program. I was very impressed with both of them as gentlemen and appreciate the opportunity immensely."

Noonan has earned a reputation as one of the nation's top college coaches, compiling a record of 160-77-31 at Brown and 224-116-1 overall in his 21 seasons as a collegiate head coach. Prior to his stint at Brown, he also coached at Wheaton College and the University of New Hampshire.

Ten of Noonan's players have been selected in the annual Major League Soccer draft. All three members of Noonan's class of 2005 signed contracts with the MLS at the conclusion of their Brown careers.

Noonan graduated from Middlebury College in 1983, where he was a four-year starter and two-time first team All-American. After college, Noonan embarked on a professional playing career in Sweden before returning to the United States to play in the MISL and the AISA.

He currently holds a a USSF "A" license, as well as a UEFA "A" license from the English FA, and is a National Staff Coach for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

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