Paul Phillips Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Courtesy Clark University Sports Information

Worcester, MA- Clark University’s Athletic Director Linda Moulton announced the hiring and return of Paul Phillips as head men’s basketball coach. Phillips returns to Clark after two years as the Dean of Students at St. John’s High School. Before arriving at Clark in 1996, Phillips was a teacher and guidance counselor at St. John's High School for 20 years from 1976-1996 as well as the head coach at Anna Maria College for 10 years.

“We were fortunate to have a great pool of candidates, which is not surprising given the significant interest in Clark basketball”, explained Moulton. “I am very pleased that Paul has decided to return to Clark. His accomplishments as a Division III head coach and his significant success at Clark will be key in revitalizing our program. Given his energy, enthusiasm and passion for coaching, we are excited about what Paul will bring to the program, the department and the University. The Clark community welcomes Paul and looks forward to the return of the up tempo style of basketball that has always been an integral part of Clark’s success.

During Phillips’s first stint at Clark he directed the Cougars for eight years (1996-2004), leading his squads to the NCAA Tournament four times in five years. The Cougars made consecutive trips to the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2002 and made appearances in the 1999 and 2003 NCAA Tournaments. The Cougars won the NEWMAC Championship four times in six years (1999, 2001, 2002 and 2003) and claimed tournament titles in 1999, 2001 and 2003. Phillips reached the 300 career-win plateau with Clark's 80-76 win over conference opponent Wheaton College on January 13, 2003. In his eight years at Clark, he compiled an impressive 140-76 record and overall he has a 307-173 record in 18 years as a head coach.

Phillips quickly rebuilt the Cougar program and reestablished Clark as one of the top basketball programs in New England and nationally. After Clark won the NEWMAC Championship in 1999, the team advanced to the NCAA Tournament. It was the first time in 11 years that the men had earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. In recognition of the team’s impressive turnaround, Phillips was named the 1999 NEWMAC Coach of the Year. He directed the 1999-2000 squad to the ECAC Tournament, Clark's second consecutive post-season appearance. In the 2000-2001 season, Phillips led his team to another NEWMAC Championship and returned to the NCAA tournament for the second time in three years. The team advanced to the Elite Eight round and finished with an impressive 24-5 record. He again directed the Cougars to another NEWMAC Championship in 2001-2002 and led his squad to their second consecutive trip to the NCAA and the Elite Eight.

“I am thrilled to be back in coaching and especially to be back at Clark University,” said Phillips. “The last two years at Saint John’s have been a wonderful learning experience and I appreciate everything that Saint John’s and headmaster Mike Welch have done for me. I look forward to working with the present members of the team and continuing the rich tradition of Clark basketball.”