CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University men’s basketball Head Coach Brad Brownell has hired Chris Harriman as assistant coach, announced by Coach Brownell on Monday.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris and his family to Tigertown,” said Brownell. “I’ve been friends with Chris for a long time and have admired his work at several different places. I look forward to us being able to work together. Chris brings a tireless work ethic and his knowledge and understanding of the game, paired with his elite recruiting prowess will be a great benefit to our program here at Clemson.”
Longtime Division I assistant Chris Harriman joins the Tigers in 2026-27. He previously served two seasons on Chris Mack's staff at Charleston from 2024-26, helping guide the program to 45 victories in two seasons, including a 24-9 overall record and an appearance in the CAA semifinals in 2024-25.
Harriman brings 24 years of extensive experience from the Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West, Atlantic 10 and CAA, along with a proven track record of success to the program.
Prior to his time in Charleston, Harriman spent one season on the staff at Saint Louis in a second stint for Travis Steele. He spent four seasons at California and served as associate head coach at New Mexico for four years (2015-19). He also spent three years at Nebraska (2012-2015) where he played a key role recruiting several All-Big 10 selections to guide the team to the NCAA Tournament in 2014.
Harriman began his coaching career at Saint Louis under the late Rick Majerus from 2008 to 2012 during the era of the Billikens' resurgence with a pair of 20-win seasons and was primarily responsible for recruiting the winningest class in SLU history. He assumed head coach duties at SLU for one game after Majerus was hospitalized leading the team to a 75-60 win at Duquesne. During Harriman's final season at SLU, the Billikens ranked in the top 25, earned an NCAA Tournament berth and defeated Memphis in the NCAA Tournament.
Harriman is widely regarded for his international recruiting prowess and global knowledge of the game. He has successfully landed numerous key international recruits. He has successfully recruited players that have gone on to earn accolades such as A-10 Player of the Year, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Pac 12 First Team All-Conference.
Recognized for his exceptional talent, Harriman was named one of the “Top 5 Division I Assistants” by CBS Sports. National basketball insider Jeff Goodman also recognized him as one of the top three international recruiters in Division I college basketball. Gary Parrish noted, “Few guys have the international networking and contacts like Harriman. He’s the long-term valuable hire, the guy who finds the gem buried under 20 feet of mud.”
Before his coaching career, Harriman was a standout guard for the Augusta State Jaguars in Georgia. He helped guide Augusta State to 3 division titles and 3 NCAA Tournament appearances.
Harriman played four years professionally in Australia’s National Basketball league for the Illawarra Hawks, Sydney Kings, and the Hunter Valley Pirates, where he was the runner-up for the NBL Rookie of the Year award.
Harriman married his wife, Ciara, in May 2019, he has one son, Avery, and three daughters, Kacee, Elsie, and Natalia. He is also the founder of the #AveryStrong campaign, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer in honor of his son’s battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.