Men's Basketball
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- jclaunch@ia.ua.edu
- Phone:
- 205-348-4551
- Hometown: Houston, Texas
- Education: Emory, 2012; Clemson, 2015
- Birthday: November 17
- 2018-23: Nicholls, Head Coach
- 2016-18: Nicholls, Assistant Coach
- 2015-16: Clemson, Assistant Coach
- 2013-15: Clemson, Graduate Manager
- 2012-13: George Mason, Assistant Coach
- 2008-12: Emory University, Guard
University of Alabama head basketball coach Nate Oats officially announced the hiring of Austin Claunch on Monday, April 17, 2023. Claunch comes to Tuscaloosa after spending seven seasons at Nicholls and the last five seasons as head coach. During his tenure, he compiled 90 wins, leading the Colonels to back-to-back Southland Regular Season titles and was named the 2021 Southland Conference Coach of the Year.
"Austin is one of the hardest working guys in the business," Oats said. "His work as a head coach at Nicholls was unbelievable with one of the lowest budgets in the country. He has won two out of the last three regular season championships in the Southland Conference and that is a credit to his hard work and his energy. Austin has a bright young mind and will help out our program in many ways. Not only is he a tireless recruiter and will help us with game planning but he is also a great person who will develop great relationships with our players and have a positive impact in our community."
Nicholls – Head Coach (2018-23)
- 2020-21 Southland Conference Coach of the Year
- Back-to-back Southland Regular Season Champions (2020-21 and 2021-22)
- Served as the youngest head coach in Division I Men's basketball for three seasons (2018-21)
- The second youngest head coach during the 2022-23 season
- Named to ESPN 40 Under 40 in 2020
Nicholls – Assistant Coach (2016-18)
- Contributed heavily to the Colonels historic 2017-18 campaign that included the most wins (21) since 1995 and best Southland Conference record (15-3) since 1998.
- As an assistant, Claunch was primarily responsible for guard development, specifically point guards, working daily with seniors Roddy Peters (SLC Newcomer of the Year, First Team), Jahvaughn Powell (All-SLC Defensive Team), Lafayette Rutledge (Single-season 3-point record holder) and Tevon Saddler (All-SLC Second Team).
Clemson – Assistant Coach (2015-16)
- Primary responsibilities included video services for Clemson men's basketball. Claunch spent three seasons with the Tigers overall, having previously served as a graduate manager from 2013-15.
Playing Career
- A four-year starter and two-time captain at Emory University on the Division III level from 2008-12.
- Ranks first in Emory history in career assists (580), assists per game (5.8) and minutes played (3,132).
- A three-time All-Conference First Team player at Emory, and a member of the University Athletic Association's 25th Anniversary Team.
