By WJBC Staff
NORMAL – Brendan Mullins, a suburban Chicago native who most recently worked as an assistant men’s basketball coach at UIC for two seasons, is staying in-state to serve as Illinois State’s new assistant coach, head coach Dan Muller announced Friday.
“I have gotten to know Brendan while on the road recruiting over the past few years, and I’ve always thought highly of him.” Muller said. “He has done a terrific job at his two previous stops as a Division I assistant coach and is well-respected in the business. I really look forward to working with Brendan.”
Since arriving at UIC in 2015, Mullins helped recruit and mentor several young talents, including the 2016 Horizon League Freshman of the Year, Dikembe Dixson, who scored 594 points to set the Horizon League freshman scoring record. In 2016-17, the Flames won 17 games and earned a berth in the College Basketball Invitational (CBI). During his first season at UIC, Mullins helped sophomore Tai Odiase develop into one of the top rim protectors in the country. Odiase led the NCAA with 3.23 blocks per game.
“I’m thankful and excited for the opportunity to join Coach Muller’s staff and the Illinois State men’s basketball program,” Mullins said. “The chance to do my best to contribute to Coach Muller’s success at Illinois State, as well as learning from him, is a great privilege and challenge. Having observed Coach Muller and his teams, I realize the standards he has set are beyond reproach. Joining the defending Missouri Valley Conference champs and such a strong program with such a winning tradition is an honor. I look forward to becoming a member of the Illinois State academic and athletic community and continuing to raise the high bar of success on and off the court that Coach Muller has established.”
Before his stint at UIC, Mullins served for five seasons as a member of the Wright State staff. Mullins was promoted after two seasons at Wright State from director of operations to assistant coach. During his five years on the WSU sideline, Mullins helped the Raiders post back-to-back 20-win campaigns with a pair of postseason tournament appearances. He also helped Wright State reach 10 wins in league play on three separate occasions.
Prior to his time at WSU, Mullins spent one season as the director of operations at Green Bay. During the 2009-10 season, the Phoenix went 22-13 and earned a postseason trip to the CBI. Mullins began his coaching career as an assistant at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania for two seasons before heading to Green Bay.
Mullins was a four-year letterwinner at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, where he became one of the most prolific three-point shooters in program history. He ranks fifth in program history with 200 career 3-pointers made. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Michael’s in 2007 and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Mercyhurst in 2009.
During his prep career, Mullins starred at Downers Grove South High School in Downers Grove, Illinois. He led the Mustangs to an IHSA Elite Eight appearance as a senior in 2003 and is now a member of the Downers Grove South Hall of Fame.
His father, Mike Mullins, is the director of the Illinois Wolves AAU program and his brother, Bryan, is an assistant coach for Loyola Chicago.
Brendan Mullins Coaching Career
2017-: Illinois State Assistant Coach
2015-17: UIC Assistant Coach
2012-15: Wright State Assistant Coach
2010-12: Wright State Director of Operations
2009-10: Green Bay Director of Operations
2007-09: Mercyhurst College Assistant Coach
Brendan Mullins Playing Career
2003-07: Saint Michael’s College
