James Brown will be in his first season as UTEP's director of recruiting after being hired in January 2026.
Brown brings over 34 years of experience, including 30 years coaching Texas high school football, 17 years as a head coach, and collegiate experience at the Power Four and Group of Five levels.
Brown is a graduate of The University of Texas at El Paso (1995) and was a member of the UTEP football team from 1988 through 1990. After receiving his degree, he stayed in El Paso to teach and coach football at Cathedral High School and coach at Andress High School.
Most recently, Brown was on staff at Michigan as a senior analyst and assistant special teams coordinator for the last two seasons (2024-2025). The Wolverines won 17 games in that span, including a victory in the ‘24 ReliaQuest Bowl.
Brown spent the 2023 season at SMU as the Mustangs’ Director of High School Relations. Brown directed Texas high school recruiting efforts within the Lone Star State and served as the primary liaison between the SMU football program and Texas high school coaches.
Before joining the college ranks, Brown was a long-time Texas high school coach, compiling a 113-80 record over 17 years.
Brown was the head coach at Mansfield Timberview High School in the Dallas area from 2012 to 2022, leading the program to multiple playoff appearances. During his final year at MTHS in 2022, he directed the program to a 13-1 record and an appearance in the Class 5A Division I regional finals. Brown was also the head coach at North Forney High School (2011), at Fort Bend Kempner High School (2007-2010), and at Brazosport High School (2006).
Before assuming the role of a head coach, Brown served as an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Alvin High School (2000-2005). His coaching career started in El Paso at Cathedral High School as the offensive coordinator (1992-1994). Brown was also the OC at Andress High School for six seasons (1995-2000).
Brown received his Bachelor of Arts in English (American Literature) from The University of Texas at El Paso in 1995 and a Master of Education from Lamar University in 2009.
