Brett Gunning

The University of Mount Saint Vincent Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Brett Gunning as the new head coach of its men's basketball program. Gunning, who has spent 26 years coaching in the NCAA and NBA, brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and player development expertise to the Dolphins.

Gunning was also appointed as the department's Senior Associate Director for Athletics.

Gunning currently serves as the Founder and President of On the Right Path, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to guide underserved youth on the right path to achieving their maximum potential through education, mentorship, and basketball skill development. At its core, On the Right Path integrates the game of basketball with character development, helping young people see the connection between being a successful player and a successful person. Its 12-week Life & Basketball curriculum and educational online classroom further this mission by providing kids, parents, and coaches with tools that combine life skills, basketball fundamentals, and faith-based lessons.

Gunning spent parts of 12 seasons in the NBA prior to lending his services to the youth,

Most recently, he served as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets from 2015–20 under head coach Mike D'Antoni, helping coordinate one of the league's most dynamic offensive systems. During the 2017–18 season, the Rockets won a franchise-record 65 games and advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

Gunning began his NBA career with the Rockets in 2008 as the team's Director of Player Development, where he was responsible for improving player performance through on-court skill development and video analysis. He was later promoted to assistant coach prior to the 2011–12 season before joining the Orlando Magic from 2012–15, where he focused on player development and helped develop defensive game plans and scouting reports. He returned to Houston in 2015 and remained on the Rockets' bench through the 2019–20 season.

Prior to his NBA career, Gunning spent seven seasons (2001–08) on the coaching staff at Villanova University under Head Coach Jay Wright, first serving as an assistant coach from 2001–05 before being elevated to Associate Head Coach through the summer of 2008. During his time with the Wildcats, Gunning played a vital role in recruiting and developing teams that secured four straight NCAA Tournament berths and made three trips to the Sweet 16.

Gunning began his coaching career in 1994 as an assistant coach under Jay Wright at Hofstra University. Over the next seven seasons, he was part of a staff that turned Hofstra into an America East powerhouse, as the Pride posted a 72–22 (.766) record from 1998–2001 and earned two NCAA Tournament appearances. During his time at Hofstra, Gunning played an instrumental role in player development while assisting with recruiting, scouting, and film analysis.

Gunning is also a published author. His On the Right Path children's book series —co-authored with award-winning author Stacy Padula — uses the game of basketball to introduce simple life lessons to young readers in a fun and relatable way.

A native of the greater Philadelphia area, Gunning currently resides in Houston with his wife, Trisha, and their three children: Jayden, Jordan, and Jasmine.