Who is the High Point coach? Meet Flynn Clayman, the fiery leader for the Panthers basketball program making a name for himself

Flynn Clayman’s rise at High Point hasn’t been a quiet one; it’s been a high-octane takeover. Promoted to head coach in April 2025, the 37-year-old Los Angeles native quickly transformed the Panthers into a top-five national scoring offense. His system, built on his years playing professionally in Israel and Brazil, has turned HPU into a mid-major juggernaut that thrives on transition and relentless perimeter pressure.

Clayman’s national profile exploded during the 2026 NCAA Tournament following a viral sideline interview after upsetting Wisconsin. Instead of the usual platitudes, a visibly fired-up Clayman used his platform to call out the "class war" in college basketball, fiercely defending the talent of mid-major programs. That raw, unfiltered advocacy instantly cemented his reputation as a "player’s coach" who isn't afraid to pick a fight with the sport's blue bloods.

Off the court, Clayman’s life is a true High Point family affair. He and his wife, Katie — an assistant for the HPU women’s basketball team — have become the faces of the university’s athletic identity.

Here's more on the High Point coach.

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Who is High Point basketball coach?

Clayman was promoted to head coach of the High Point Panthers in April 2025, taking over for Alan Huss after serving as his associate head coach. A Los Angeles native with professional playing experience in Israel and Brazil, Clayman has spent the last three seasons building the Panthers into one of the most efficient offensive programs in the country. His "pro-style" system has turned High Point into a perennial contender in the Big South.

Clayman's national profile skyrocketed during the 2026 NCAA Tournament following a historic first-round upset of Wisconsin. In a viral post-game interview, Clayman delivered a passionate defense of mid-major programs, criticizing the scheduling disadvantages they face while advocating for his players' talent.

The unfiltered moment resonated across social media, instantly establishing him as one of the most charismatic and "fiery" young leaders in college basketball. As High Point continues its tournament run, Clayman’s blend of offensive genius and vocal leadership has made him a top candidate for high-major coaching vacancies.

SN AWARDS: All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year

Flynn Clayman coaching timeline

Early Coaching and Scouting (2016–2018)

Clayman began his collegiate coaching career at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) under head coach Mike Dunlap. Serving as the Director of Scouting, he was responsible for breaking down opponent film and assisting in game-plan preparation. This role was crucial in honing his analytical skills and understanding the tactical nuances required to compete at the Division I level.

During his tenure at LMU, Clayman gained a reputation for his relentless work ethic and eye for talent. He worked closely with the coaching staff on player development, helping to identify and cultivate the skills of young athletes.

Head Coach, Southern California Academy (2018–2021) In 2018, Clayman took a bold step by founding and serving as the head coach of Southern California Academy (SCA), which quickly became one of the premier prep programs in the country. Under his leadership, SCA became a factory for Division I talent, producing over 30 scholarship players and several NBA prospects in just a few short years.

• SN's 2026 NBA Mock Draft
• 10 best NBA prospects in March Madness
• Ranking the college basketball's loaded freshmen class
• Meet the Cinderella stars who could bust brackets

Assistant, Southern Utah (2021–2023)

Clayman made the jump back to the college ranks in 2021, joining Todd Simon’s staff at Southern Utah University. As an assistant coach, he played a pivotal role in the Thunderbirds' sustained success, including a 23-win season and a deep run in the postseason. His ability to recruit high-level talent to Cedar City was a major factor in the program's consistency.

At Southern Utah, Clayman was often credited with refining the team's offensive identity and expanding their recruiting reach into the West Coast and international markets. 

Associate Head Coach, High Point (2023–2025)

In 2023, Alan Huss recruited Clayman to join him at High Point University as associate head coach. Together, they orchestrated one of the most dramatic program turnarounds in recent college basketball history. Clayman was the primary architect of an offense that jumped into the top 10 nationally for efficiency, turning HPU into the class of the Big South.

His two seasons as associate head coach were defined by aggressive recruiting in the transfer portal and a system that maximized the roster's shooting and speed. By the time Huss departed for Creighton in early 2025, Clayman had already positioned himself as the clear choice to take over, having earned the trust of the players and the administration alike.

Head Coach, High Point (2025–Present)

Clayman officially took the reins of the High Point program in April 2025 and wasted no time making history. In his first season as head coach, he led the Panthers to a 30-4 record and a sweep of the Big South titles. His debut campaign culminated in a historic first-round NCAA Tournament upset over Wisconsin, followed by a viral postgame defense of mid-major basketball.

Now one of the most recognizable young coaches in the nation, Clayman has turned High Point into a legitimate mid-major power. His "fiery" leadership style and offensive genius have not only energized the local fan base but have also made him a frequent subject of high-major coaching rumors. As he continues the Panthers' March run, his timeline remains one of the fastest ascents in the sport.

HISTORY OF UPSETS BY SEED:
16 vs. 1 | 15 vs. 2 | 14 vs. 3 | 13 vs. 4 | 12 vs. 5

Flynn Clayman coaching record

Clayman has established himself as one of the most successful young coaches in college basketball, boasting an elite winning percentage in his short time as a head coach.

*Served as Interim Head Coach for the postseason only.

MORE REGION PREVIEWS: East | West | Midwest | South

Flynn Clayman wife

Clayman is married to Katie Clayman, a fellow coach who currently serves as an assistant for the High Point women’s basketball program. The couple’s shared life in the Big South has made them a central part of the university's athletic identity, as they often navigate the high-stakes demands of their respective seasons simultaneously. Their unique partnership provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the commitment required to lead two Division I programs within the same household.

Beyond their professional roles, the Claymans are parents to a young son, Quinn, who is a frequent fixture at High Point games. Balancing the intensity of March Madness with the responsibilities of a young family has become a hallmark of their journey, especially during Flynn’s breakout 2025–26 campaign.