Syracuse University has hired its next football coach. Tuesday, Director of Athletics John Wildhack announced that Fran Brown, currently defensive backs coach at the University of Georgia, has been named the 31st head coach of Syracuse University Football.
The nation’s top recruiter, a member of the 2022 College Football National Championship coaching staff and a New Jersey native, will soon take the helm of Orange Football. Today, Director of Athletics John Wildhack announced that Fran Brown, currently defensive backs coach at the University of Georgia, has been named the 31st head coach of Syracuse University Football.
Brown will be officially introduced as head football coach at a press conference on Monday, Dec. 4, at the Ferguson Football Auditorium in the George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing at the John A. Lally Athletics Complex. Details of the press conference will follow.
“I am incredibly proud to be leading Syracuse Football at a university with a rich and storied tradition of academic and athletic excellence,” says Brown. “Syracuse Football has outstanding talent, great facilities and passionate alumni. The success of the players is my No. 1 priority—on and off the field. I want my guys to succeed in life, because they played football at Syracuse. My immediate area of focus is building relationships with my current players and putting together an elite staff, while also having fun on the recruiting trail. I’m ready to get to work and look forward to building something special for our fans.”
Brown joined the University of Georgia in early 2022 where he was part of the coaching staff that led the undefeated Bulldogs to victory in the 2022 College Football National Championship. Under the leadership of the defensive coaching staff, the Georgia defense finished the season ranked among the nation’s leaders in rushing defense, scoring defense, red zone defense and total defense. The defense also finished the season with two first team All-Americans and finalists for awards, including the Butkus Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
According to 247Sports, Brown is the No. 1 recruiter in the nation for the 2024 recruiting class and has played a critical role in attracting top talent to Georgia. This designation follows his recruitment of two five-star prospects, both of whom are ranked No. 1 in their respective positions. Brown brings with him deep ties to New Jersey and the Northeast, which will allow him immediate recruiting success for the Orange.
“Fran is an outstanding coach, recruiter and person, and exactly who we need to take Syracuse Football to the next level,” says Wildhack. “Fran has clearly articulated a vision for the future of our football program, and he is a powerhouse recruiter with deep ties to the geographies from where we need to draw consistently. Fran has had tremendous success recruiting to a variety of programs—in the South, Southwest and Northeast, and I have no doubt he will bring that track record here to Syracuse. I am looking forward to welcoming Fran and his family to the Orange community. The future is bright for our football program.”
A former student-athlete, Brown played football at Western Carolina University, where he was named a team captain and earned First Team All-SoCon selection at cornerback for the Catamounts. He went on to play two seasons in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. Chancellor Kent Syverud says Brown’s experience as a college and professional football player combined with his coaching prowess positions him well to support Syracuse University’s student-athletes’ success both on and off the field.
