Fran Brown facts for kids
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Brown with the Syracuse Orange in 2024
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| Current position | |
|---|---|
| Title | Head coach |
| Team | Syracuse |
| Conference | ACC |
| Record | 10–3 |
| Biographical details | |
| Born | February 3, 1982 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Playing career | |
| 2003–2006 | Western Carolina |
| 2007–2008 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Position(s) | Cornerback |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 2010 | Paul VI HS (NJ) (DB) |
| 2012 | Temple (GA) |
| 2013–2015 | Temple (DB) |
| 2016 | Temple (AHC/DB) |
| 2017–2018 | Baylor (AHC/DB) |
| 2019 | Temple (co-DC/DB) |
| 2020–2021 | Rutgers (DB) |
| 2022–2023 | Georgia (DB) |
| 2024–present | Syracuse |
| Administrative career (AD unless noted) | |
| 2011 | Temple (Dir. of Internal Ops) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Awards | |
|
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Francis Brown, born on February 3, 1982, is a well-known American college football coach. He used to play as a cornerback and is now the head football coach at Syracuse University. Before this, he was the defensive backs coach for the Georgia team.
Contents
Early Life and High School Football
Fran Brown grew up in Camden, New Jersey. He went to Camden High School. While there, he played quarterback and set a school record. He threw 47 touchdown passes, which is a lot for a high school player!
Playing Career Highlights
After high school, Brown changed his position to cornerback. He played for Western Carolina. He was chosen as a first-team All-SoCon player and was a team captain. After college, Brown spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was part of their practice squad in the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
Coaching Journey
Starting at Temple University
After coaching for a year at Paul VI Catholic High School, Brown joined the staff at Temple University in 2011. He started as the Assistant Director of Internal Operations. In 2012, he became a graduate assistant. Then, in 2013, he became the defensive backs coach. He held this role until 2016. That year, he also took on the role of associate head coach.
Brown was known for being a great recruiter. After the 2014 recruiting season, he was named a top recruiter in the American Athletic Conference. He helped bring in many talented players, including future professional player Sean Chandler.
Moving to Baylor University
Brown then followed his coach, Matt Rhule, to Baylor University. He worked there as the assistant head coach and defensive backs coach for the 2017 and 2018 seasons. During his time in Waco, people thought Brown was Baylor's best recruiter.
Second Time at Temple
After the 2018 season, Brown was considered for the head coaching job at Temple. The job eventually went to Manny Diaz. Diaz hired Brown as assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator. However, Diaz left Temple after only 17 days. Brown was again considered for the head coaching job. This time, Rod Carey got the job. Carey decided to keep Brown on his coaching staff as the co-defensive coordinator.
Coaching at Rutgers
When coach Greg Schiano returned to Rutgers for the 2020 season, he hired Fran Brown. Brown became the team’s secondary coach.
Success at Georgia
On February 18, 2022, Brown joined the defensive staff at Georgia. He replaced Jahmile Addae, who moved to Miami (FL). Brown was part of the coaching staff when Georgia won the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship. They defeated the TCU team in the championship game. In 2023, Brown was recognized as the #1 national recruiter by 247Sports.
Becoming Head Coach at Syracuse
On November 28, 2023, Fran Brown was named the 31st head coach of Syracuse University. A big reason for his hiring was his strong connections in South Jersey. This area is a key place for Syracuse to find new players.
Head Coaching Record
| Year | Team | Overall | Conference | Standing | Bowl/playoffs | Coaches# | AP° | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse Orange (Atlantic Coast Conference) (2024–present) | |||||||||
| 2024 | Syracuse | 10–3 | 5–3 | T–4th | W Holiday | 22 | 20 | ||
| Syracuse: | 10–3 | 5–3 | |||||||
| Total: | 10–3 | ||||||||
Personal Life
Fran Brown is married to Teara Brown. They have three children together. While coaching at Syracuse, Brown shared an interesting ritual. He said he often does not shower after his team loses a game. He sees this as a way to motivate himself and his team. He believes that "winners get washed," meaning only after a win does he feel like showering. His son, Fran Brown Jr., started his freshman year playing for the Saint Francis Red Flash football team. In December 2024, he transferred to Syracuse.
