Brown men's hockey head coach Brendan Whittet will step down at the end of the season to take a family medical leave, according to a release from the school. The leave begins Feb. 20. Assistant coach Jason Smith will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The school says they will...
Brown men's hockey head coach Brendan Whittet will step down at the end of the season to take a family medical leave, according to a release from the school. The leave begins Feb. 20.
Assistant coach Jason Smith will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The school says they will begin a national search immediately.
"At this moment, I need to prioritize my family's health and recovery and will be taking a family medical leave, as my energy needs to be directed toward my loved ones," Whittet said.
The East Providence, R.I., native was hired in 2009 after being an assistant at Dartmouth from 1998 to 2009. He has won 149 games with Brown and led it to three ECAC tournament semifinal appearances.
Whittet was also a defenseman for Brown from 1990-94, playing in 74 games and helping the Bears make the NCAA tournament in 1993.
"For over half my life, Brown University has been more than just an institution to me," Whittet said. "It has been my home, my community and my passion. From my days as a student-athlete to my tenure as head coach, I have poured my heart into this program and this university. This place is woven into the fabric of who I am."
When he returns, Whittet will move into a new role in athletics administration.