University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Men's Basketball
- Title:
- Director of Basketball Operations
- Email:
- brian.pearson@uni.edu
Former Drury assistant coach Brian Pearson joined the Panthers in April 2026 after one year at the Division II level on former UNI standout Chris Foster’s staff. In his role as Director of Basketball Operations, Pearson will assist with organizing UNI team practices and travel schedules, including coordination with hotels and scheduling team meals. He will also support the coaching staff in organizing team class schedules and recruiting calendars and oversee the program’s student managers.
Pearson previously spent two seasons as a student manager (2021-23), and later two years as a graduate assistant (2023-25) on TJ Otzelberger’s men’s basketball staff at Iowa State. In those positions, he was actively involved in player development, opponent scouting, recruiting, community outreach and practice planning.
A native of Manson, Iowa, Pearson was a four-sport athlete in high school before going on to play baseball at Iowa Central Community College. He would later earn a degree in communications from Iowa State.
Pearson currently resides with his wife, Leah.
