Matt Braeuer Named Head Basketball Coach at Stephen F. Austin State University
Table of Contents
Nacogdoches, TX – Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) has tapped Matt Braeuer as the 13th head coach of the Lumberjacks men’s basketball program. The declaration, made today by Director of Athletics Michael McBroom, marks a new chapter for SFA basketball.Braeuer arrives with significant experiance, most recently as an assistant coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, who boast a 23-7 overall record and are tied for second in the Big 12 Conference with a 14-5 record. His hiring is expected too energize the Lumberjacks and guide them back to championship contention.
Braeuer’s appointment comes as the Red Raiders prepare to conclude their 2024-25 regular season this saturday at Arizona State. The SFA community eagerly anticipates his arrival, hoping he will revitalize the Lumberjacks program and lead them back to championship contention. His track record suggests a promising future for the team.
A Winning Pedigree
Director of Athletics Michael McBroom expressed his enthusiasm for the new hire, stating, Matt Braeuer is quite simply a winner.
McBroom further elaborated on the qualities that made Braeuer the ideal candidate:
It became clear during our search process that he brings the competitive fire, integrity, passion, connections, and coaching acumen that we were seeking. He has had some of the finest mentors in the game and has prepared himself remarkably well for this prospect. I’m excited to work alongside him to prepare to return SFA to championship basketball.
Michael McBroom, Director of Athletics, Stephen F. Austin State University
McBroom also extended gratitude to Grant McCasland at texas Tech for his assistance during the hiring process, and also to Tim McMurray and Jim Nichols at Cardinal Grange, who spearheaded the search efforts. Their contributions were vital in securing Braeuer for the Lumberjacks.
Recent Success at Texas Tech
During his tenure with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Braeuer played a crucial role in the team’s success. In his first year, he helped guide the team to the 2024 NCAA Tournament, capping off a 23-win season. The Red Raiders also achieved a third-place tie in the Big 12 standings and advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Big 12 Championship. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s achievements.
Building a Foundation at North Texas
Before joining Texas Tech, Braeuer spent five seasons at the University of North Texas (UNT) under head coach Grant McCasland.During his time with the Meen Green, the team amassed an impressive 115-47 record (.710). Braeuer’s contributions were instrumental in securing back-to-back Conference USA championships in 2020 and 2021, marking three total championships for the program. A significant milestone was achieved in 2021 when UNT secured it’s first NCAA Tournament victory, defeating Purdue.
The 2022-23 season saw UNT establish a new program record with a 31-7 record, culminating in an NIT title after defeating UAB. The Mean Green showcased their defensive prowess by leading the nation in limiting opponents to just 55.8 points per game and holding teams to 39.1 percent shooting, ranking sixth nationally. Their postseason run included victories over Alcorn State, Sam Houston, Oklahoma State, and Wisconsin, before their 68-61 championship win over UAB. Braeuer also played a key role in developing two Conference USA Player of the Year selections: Javion Hamlet (2020) and Tylor Perry (2023).
Early Career and Playing Days
Braeuer’s coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Wichita State under head coach Gregg Marshall.He then spent a year at Midland College under Ross Hodge,the current head coach at UNT,where he helped lead the Chaparrals to a 33-4 record and a spot in the NJCAA Division I national championship game. He further honed his skills at the University of Maryland as a video coordinator under head coach Mark Turgeon, and later at Sam Houston under head coach Jason Hooten from 2013-16. At Sam Houston, he contributed to the team’s success, leading them to the Southland Conference tournament championship game in consecutive seasons and achieving 24 and 26 victories in those seasons.
prior to his tenure at North Texas, Braeuer served for two years at the College of Charleston under head coach Earl Grant, where he helped the Cougars achieve back-to-back 25-win seasons and secure Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament titles.
Braeuer’s basketball career extends beyond coaching. He was a three-year starting point guard at Wichita State from 2004-08. During his playing days, he ranked among the top 15 in career three-pointers made (130) and career assists (308) for the Shockers. He also experienced significant team success, advancing to the Sweet sixteen and achieving a top 10 national ranking. After earning his bachelor’s degree in sport management from Wichita,he served as a graduate assistant,earning his master’s degree in sport management in 2010.
Personal Life and Looking Ahead
A native of Belton, Texas, Braeuer graduated from Belton High School, where he played under his father, Ed. As a senior, he earned Texas Class 5A First Team All-State and First Team All-Region honors and was named MVP for District 13-5A. He and his wife, Katie, have three-year-old twin sons, Brooks and Griffin.
Braeuer expressed his enthusiasm for joining the SFA community:
My family and I are honored to join the Stephen F. Austin community, and I want to thank Dr. Weaver and Michael McBroom for their trust in me. SFA has a rich basketball history, and I am excited to build a program that reflects the passion and pride of this university and its fans. We will work tirelessly to bring championships back to Nacogdoches, and I can’t wait to get started.
Matt Braeuer, Head Basketball Coach, Stephen F. Austin State University
Braeuer will officially join the Lumberjacks after the conclusion of the Texas Tech season. An introductory press conference and reception will be scheduled at that time, marking the beginning of a new chapter for SFA basketball.
coaching Carousel: Matt Braeuer’s Rise to Head Coach at Stephen F. Austin – A Winning Strategy?
“the appointment of Matt Braeuer as stephen F. Austin’s head basketball coach isn’t just a personnel change; it’s a calculated strategy reflecting a deeper shift in college basketball recruiting and coaching philosophies.”
Interviewer: Dr. emily Carter,Senior Editor,world-today-news.com
Expert: Professor David Miller, renowned sports management expert and author of “The Modern College Basketball Coach”
dr. Carter: Professor Miller, Matt Braeuer’s trajectory – from graduate assistant to head coach – is remarkable. What key factors contributed to his rapid ascent in the college basketball coaching world?
Professor Miller: Matt Braeuer’s success is a testament to a combination of factors. First, his coaching acumen is undeniable. His record speaks for itself: multiple championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and consistent success at various levels of college basketball, from Conference USA to the Big 12. This indicates strong coaching abilities, strategic planning, and his capacity to build high-performing basketball teams. Secondly, his mentorship under highly respected coaches like Grant McCasland and Gregg Marshall shows a deep understanding and commitment to the coaching profession. He clearly learned from the best and effectively adapted those lessons to his coaching style. his networking skills within the coaching community were crucial. These connections facilitated opportunities and helped pave his path to Stephen F. Austin. His transition from Texas Tech showcases the value of building professional relationships.
Dr. Carter: His time at North Texas saw notable defensive metrics – leading the nation in points allowed. How significant is defensive prowess in the context of modern college basketball?
Professor Miller: In today’s college basketball landscape,a strong defensive foundation is non-negotiable for championship contention. Braeuer’s success at North Texas, achieving a national ranking in opponent shooting percentage and points allowed, underlines this point. Building a team centered on stifling defense can lead to consistently superior results, especially in high-stakes tournament play. teams who successfully deploy a strong defense can overcome scoring droughts and can build an identity in post-season. This emphasis on defensive excellence at North texas is a promising sign for Stephen F. Austin.
Dr. Carter: The article highlights Braeuer’s playing experiance at wichita State. How significantly does a player’s background influence a coach’s development and approach?
Professor Miller: A player’s background significantly informs a coach’s coaching philosophy. Braeuer’s experience as a starting point guard at Wichita State – including the Sweet Sixteen appearance and high national ranking – likely instilled in him a deep understanding of the game from a player’s viewpoint. This can influence his approach to player development, team strategies, and overall game management. He can leverage that experience to connect with his players on a deeper level. He can also use his experiences as a player to communicate more effectively. The player-coach journey provides invaluable insights that some coaches who did not have similar experiences lack.
Dr. Carter: The statement that Braeuer “brings the competitive fire” is compelling. How crucial is this quality for a head coach at the college level?
Professor Miller: In college basketball, “competitive fire” translates to building program culture and leadership. It means not only winning games, but also demanding excellence, driving high-level performance, recruiting motivated and talented players, promoting accountability, and fostering a team environment where players feel supported and challenged simultaneously. Braeuer’s prior successes, demonstrating that he instills this type of atmosphere within his teams, will be critically important for attracting high calibre recruits and helping the SFA Lumberjacks program transition effectively. He can use this intangible element to forge a team with a winning mentality.
Dr. Carter: What are some key predictions you have for Braeuer’s tenure at Stephen F. Austin?
Professor Miller: I predict Braeuer will bring a renewed sense of purpose and competitiveness to the SFA Lumberjacks program. We can expect to see the team develop more improved defensive strategies, a renewed focus on player development, and building a strong recruiting pipeline. His ability to connect with players and build a winning culture will be crucial to achieving long-term success. Based on his track record, a return to championship contention is entirely plausible.
Dr. Carter: Thank you Professor miller for sharing your expert insights.
Concluding Note: Matt Braeuer’s appointment marks a possibly transformative moment for stephen F. Austin basketball. His career journey and proven success suggest a bright future for the Lumberjacks. What are your thoughts on his leadership style and potential impact? Share your predictions in the comments below!