Cliff Ellis
Cliff Ellis is the head men’s basketball coach at Coastal Carolina University, a position he assumed in 2007. Prior to his arrival at Coastal Carolina, Ellis worked as a television broadcast analyst from 2004 to 2007. Previously, Ellis spent 10 seasons at Auburn University (1994-2004), 10 years at Clemson University (1984-94), and nine seasons at the University of South Alabama (1975-84). He posted records of 186-125 (.598) at Auburn, 177-128 (.580) at Clemson, and 171-84 (.671) at South Alabama.
In 35 seasons as a Division I head coach, Ellis’ teams have amassed a record of 614-384 (.615), ranking him 25th in the nation in all-time Division I wins following the 2010-11 season. In addition, Ellis has the sixth-most NCAA Division I wins among active coaches. He is also just one of 10 coaches in NCAA Division I history to post 100 or more wins at three separate schools.
Ellis began his coaching career at Niceville (FL) High School (54-7 in three seasons), then spent one year at Vanguard High in Ocala, Florida (20-5). He then coached three seasons at Cumberland College (J.C.) in Tennessee, compiling a record of 78-12, before becoming head coach at South Alabama. He has been named conference Coach of the Year six times in his career and has coached several NBA players, including Elden Campbell, Terry Catledge, Marquis Daniels, Dale Davis, Horace Grant, and Sharone Wright.
Widely respected as one of the nation’s elite basketball coaches, Ellis is also an accomplished musician, author, and ostrich farmer. He started in the recording business before coaching and has released several records. He has also written three well-received books. He and his wife, the former Carolyn Ratzlaff, have three children, Chryssa Rutland, Clay, and Anna Catherine, and two grandchildren, Hannah Grace and Ellis Rutland.
