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Photo by: Chip DeLorenzo
Whittet Steps Away from Men's Ice Hockey Program
1/28/2026 3:15:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Brown University's Class of 1975 Head Coach for Men's Hockey Brendan Whittet '94 has announced he will step away from the program to take a family medical leave, effective February 20, 2026. When he returns from the leave, Whittet will transition into a new role in athletics administration.
Assistant coach Jason Smith will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. A national search for a new men's ice hockey head coach will begin immediately.Â
"For over half my life, Brown University has been more than just an institution to me; it has been my home, my community, and my passion," Whittet said. "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." Â
"However, 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 continued. "While stepping away from the bench is difficult, I am incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. Grace Calhoun and Jake Silverman, who will allow me to transition into a new athletic administrative role upon my return. I look forward to continuing to serve the university I love in this new capacity."
Whittet led the Bears to 149 victories after being named Brown's 15th head men's hockey coach in 2009. He coached four National Hockey League draftees and led the team to three ECAC Tournament Final Four appearances.
"Brendan has been an integral part of Brown University and our men's ice hockey program for much of his adult life," Mencoff Vice President for Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun '92 said. "As a player and coach, he built a culture of integrity and mentorship that has had a tremendous impact on hundreds of student-athletes over the years. We are profoundly grateful for all of his exceptional contributions to Brown Hockey and look forward to his return to College Hill."
A former defenseman at Brown and an East Providence native, Whittet was a four-year letterwinner for the Bears. He appeared in 74 games and helped lead the Bears to an Ivy League title in 1992, two trips to the ECAC Final Four Championship in 1993 and 1994, and an at-large NCAA tournament bid in 1993.
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BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
Assistant coach Jason Smith will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-26 season. A national search for a new men's ice hockey head coach will begin immediately.Â
"For over half my life, Brown University has been more than just an institution to me; it has been my home, my community, and my passion," Whittet said. "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." Â
"However, 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 continued. "While stepping away from the bench is difficult, I am incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. Grace Calhoun and Jake Silverman, who will allow me to transition into a new athletic administrative role upon my return. I look forward to continuing to serve the university I love in this new capacity."
Whittet led the Bears to 149 victories after being named Brown's 15th head men's hockey coach in 2009. He coached four National Hockey League draftees and led the team to three ECAC Tournament Final Four appearances.
"Brendan has been an integral part of Brown University and our men's ice hockey program for much of his adult life," Mencoff Vice President for Athletics and Recreation M. Grace Calhoun '92 said. "As a player and coach, he built a culture of integrity and mentorship that has had a tremendous impact on hundreds of student-athletes over the years. We are profoundly grateful for all of his exceptional contributions to Brown Hockey and look forward to his return to College Hill."
A former defenseman at Brown and an East Providence native, Whittet was a four-year letterwinner for the Bears. He appeared in 74 games and helped lead the Bears to an Ivy League title in 1992, two trips to the ECAC Final Four Championship in 1993 and 1994, and an at-large NCAA tournament bid in 1993.
Â
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
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