Head Coach Shingleton Announces Departure from Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, Texas - After an illustrious 22-year career and a remarkable record, Brennen Shingleton, Head Coach of Men’s Basketball at Texas Wesleyan University, has announced his departure from the institution. Brian Wanamaker, Texas Wesleyan’s assistant coach since 2019, will serve as the interim coach, while a search for a new head coach begins.

Coach Shingleton expressed his gratitude, saying, “Texas Wesleyan has provided me with the best years of my life, and I am eternally grateful. The memories created here will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have represented this esteemed institution.”

He also mentioned that the decision to leave was a difficult one but ultimately the right choice. Coach Shingleton served as the 15th head coach for the Rams, leading the team for 12 seasons from 2022 to 2024. Prior to that, he held roles as an assistant coach and later as an associate head coach for a decade.

His tenure leaves an indelible mark, with an overall record of 215-144 (.599), placing him second on the program's all-time wins list. Notably, he achieved 100 wins during the team’s National Championship run in 2017, making him the fastest coach to reach this milestone in program history. His contributions extend beyond the university, earning recognition such as the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017, leading the Rams to three consecutive regular-season conference championships from 2016 to 2018. He was also honored as the NAIA National Coach of the Year during the Rams' second national title win in 2017. Coach Shingleton's impact on players is evident through the success of 61 All-Conference players, 23 All-American selections, including six first-team NAIA All-Americans, and the program's only two-time Academic All-Americans: CJ Higginbotham (06-07) and Praneeth Udumalagala (17-18).

Before joining Texas Wesleyan, Shingleton was part of the NJCAA Region 14 Conference Championship team at Lon Morris College in 1993. He then played at NCAA Division I Southeastern Louisiana University, where his team achieved significant success.

A Fort Worth native and alumnus of Texas Wesleyan University, Shingleton completed his Master’s in Business Administration in 2005. He and his wife, Amanda, have three daughters, Kendall, Natalie, and Riley, and one son, Connor. Coach Shingleton's departure marks the end of an era at Texas Wesleyan University, but his legacy and contributions to the basketball program will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

“Brennen Shingleton’s name is synonymous with Texas Wesleyan basketball. After 22 years, two National Championships, numerous conference championships and a lifetime of memories, it’s hard to believe anyone in the history of our men’s basketball program stands above him.“ said Texas Wesleyan Director of Athletics Ricky Dotson. “I can promise you that he bleeds blue and gold and the legacy he leaves behind will impact the University and its athletes for years to come. This is certainly the end of an era. I’m excited for him and his family and the opportunity that awaits him. All of us at Texas Wesleyan wish him the best.