End of a coaching era for Kenyon men’s soccer

GAMBIER, Ohio — After a decade-long run together that included numerous team records, national ranks and a lengthy list of postseason accomplishments, Chris Brown, head coach of the Kenyon College men’s soccer program, and Darren Moore, assistant coach, resigned from their respective positions.

Since arriving on campus prior to the 2005 season, Brown’s Kenyon teams won eight North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) regular-season championships, including seven straight dating back to the 2015 season. His teams also won five NCAC Tournament titles and made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, with a current streak of nine straight.

“Over the past 18 years, Coach Brown has systematically transformed our men’s soccer program, building a respectable, competitive team and then transitioning it to a perennial national contender,” Jill McCartney, Kenyon’s Director of Athletics, Fitness, and Recreation, said. “With Coach Moore at his side, the quality of play continued to improve and became a trademark of the program. Coach Brown will be remembered for his relentless pursuit of excellence on the soccer field and his excitability on the sideline.”

While at Kenyon, Brown compiled a 238-72-36 record (.740) making him, by far, the winningest coach in program history. His 2016 team set a program record for wins in a season (20) and his 2019 team tied the program record for unbeaten streak (20). Additionally, Brown’s teams went undefeated in conference play over the last five-plus seasons (47-0-4) and set the NCAC standard at 51 consecutive unbeaten regular-season contests.

Brown’s Kenyon rosters featured 100 all-conference selections, seven NCAC Defensive Players of the Year, five NCAC Newcomers of the Year, three NCAC Offensive Players of the Year, and three NCAC Midfielders of the Year. On top of that, he coached 24 players who combined to earn 44 All-Region honors, as well as 14 players who combined for 25 All-America awards.

Moore paced the sidelines with Brown starting in 2013. Since then, Kenyon teams combined for an overall record of 161-23-16 and an amazing .845 win percentage. During their time together, Brown and Moore won three NCAC Coaching Staff of the Year awards and, this past season, were named the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division III Region VII Staff of the Year.

“It has been a pleasure to watch the collaboration and friendship that Chris and Darren have forged into a successful men’s soccer program,” Justin Newell, Kenyon’s Associate Director of Athletics, said. “Their appreciation for one another carries over into a culture that our men’s soccer alumni are proud to be a part of and one that enhances their connections back to this hill and to Mavec Field. Chris and Darren will be missed as two individuals that pushed all of us to be better.”

A national search for their successors is currently underway.