Brandon Wagner

‘Brandon’s knowledge of the game is immense, and more importantly, he brings passion and energy to college tennis that will surely fire up his Clemson Tigers for years to come. Having known Brandon for 20 years now, I can confidently say that Clemson University found themselves a good one. Can’t wait to watch it all unfold in the coming future.”

John Isner, Former #8 Ranked ATP Singles

Brandon Wagner was named head men’s tennis coach on June 7, 2023. Wagner, who has served on the Texas Longhorns’ staff as an assistant and associate head coach since 2019, is coming off a national semifinal appearance and Big 12 Championship in 2023, and was just named the Texas Regional ITA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Wagner played an integral role in the Longhorns’ success over the past four seasons, compiling a 81-24 overall record and advancing to two national semifinals and the Round of 16 during his time in Austin.

Before his successful stint at Texas, Wagner was a professional circuit touring coach, helping develop American tennis superstar John Isner, and aiding him to climb nearly 100 spots into the top 80 of the ATP rankings. He also coached WTA top-40 players such as Olga Govortsova, Ajla Tomljanovic, and Melanie Oudin. Wagner’s expertise was not limited to professional players, as he also groomed several junior players who reached the top five of the USTA national rankings.

“Brandon is definitely one of the best developmental coaches in the world. Very few coaches have been successful at every level of playing and coaching. Brandon’s intelligence, passion, and knowledge will certainly help young aspiring collegiate athletes develop the skills necessary to excel at Clemson or beyond to the professional level.”

Kelly Jones, Former #1 Ranked ATP Doubles

Wagner also served as the Associate Head Coach at the University of South Florida from 2012-15. His leadership helped guide the Bulls to back-to-back American Athletic Conference championships, as well as consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament in 2014 and 2015. USF reached the NCAA tournament round of 16 for the first time in school history and finished ranked No. 16, its highest final ranking in program history in 2015.

“I’ve known Brandon for a long time, and the young men that come through Clemson are getting an incredible coach and an even better person. Brandon’s been around at the highest level of tennis, and knows what it takes to get there. For anyone looking to get the best in player development, this is the guy. I’m pumped to see what Clemson can achieve under Brandon’s guidance.”

Mardy Fish, Former #7 Ranked ATP Singles

As a player at the University of Georgia, Wagner helped lead his team to the NCAA Championship finals in two-straight years in 2001 and 2002, including winning the 2001 National Championship. He advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 NCAA singles tournament, earning his All-America honors. Following college, Wagner played professionally for a short time, ranking as high as No. 441 and winning two tournament titles.

Wagner earned his bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Georgia, where he was also a member of the Dean’s Honor Roll. Wagner and his wife, Karyna, have two children – a son, Braven, and a daughter, Brielle, who are 8-year-old twins.

“College is an important transitional period in any young persons life.  In this time, it is so important to have someone guiding you with excellent character and maturity.  Brandon Wagner exemplifies that leader that can help kids on that path to adulthood and also as athletes.”

James Blake, Former #4 Ranked ATP Singles

Graham Neff on Wagner (June 2023)

“Brandon and his family are a fantastic addition to the Clemson Family,” said Neff. “Brandon has had success at every level of tennis, from a player to a touring coach, and as a college assistant at one of the nation’s premier programs. Clemson is invested in winning at the highest level of college tennis, and we feel that Brandon’s skillset is a great fit for our program. Clemson tennis has high expectations, and Brandon is the right coach to lead us there.”

Wagner on Joining Clemson (June 2023)

“I am thankful to Graham and the Clemson administration for the opportunity to lead a national program,” said Wagner. “The leadership is aligned and committed to winning tennis and academic success, and my family and I loved the atmosphere on campus. I am proud to be part of the family at Clemson, a prestigious institution with a rich history and a bright future. I can’t wait to contribute to this legacy.”