Brimfield has named Brandon Butler as its new head coach of the girls basketball program, tapping a familiar face to replace Josh McKown, who stepped down after a season that saw the team reach the Class 1A regional championship game.
A coach with deep local roots
Butler, a 2004 graduate of Elmwood, spent the last twelve seasons as an assistant on the boys basketball staff at his alma mater, where he also served as an assistant in the combined Elmwood/Brimfield football program. His long‑standing relationship with the school gives him a unique perspective on the roster and the community.
He has already spoken with Josh Fugitt, the head coach of the Elmwood boys team, about potential future collaborations, underscoring his continued involvement across multiple sports at the school.
Building a fast‑paced future
Butler says he plans to introduce a faster tempo and a shot clock for the 2026‑27 season, a move that aligns with his desire to modernize the program. He believes the approach will take advantage of the returning all‑conference players Layni Linthicum and Katie Doe, who are expected to anchor the squad.
Despite missing out on summer league competition and college team camps, Butler remains optimistic that the team can translate its regional success into a deeper postseason run, aiming to improve on a 14‑16 overall record from last year.
The hiring also brings attention to the school districts involved, with both Elmwood and Brimfield listed among the local educational organizations that will support the new coaching staff.