Few know the coaching principles and philosophies of NIU Head Coach Steve SImmons better than Chris Brown.

The Mesa, Ariz. native played centerback for the Huskies in 2004 and 2005, and now serves as Northern's graduate assistant coach.

"He knows me, my philosophies and the expectations of this program," Simmons said. "His willingness to learn the ins and outs of college soccer is a good step for him and a great step for Northern Illinois soccer."

In addition to his duties with NIU, Brown, a National "C" License holder, coaches multiple teams for the Campton United Soccer Club in Geneva, Ill. He trains three teams with the DeKalb Spectre.

Brown's arrival as a player in 2004 coincided with an eight-win turnaround from the 2003 season, the second-largest win swing in the nation. With Brown onboard, the Huskies went 12-7-0 and finished second in the MAC, the best conference placement by a Huskie team since 1990. As a senior, Brown helped Northern Illinois to a 11-6-2 season that included a seven match unbeaten streak. During the run, Northern Illinois captured notable victories over Saint Louis and Wisconsin, as well as MAC foe Western Michigan.

Prior to his arrival in DeKalb, Brown played with Chandler Gilbert Community College, where he garnered all conference honors n 2001 and 2003. As a senior, he led Chandler Gilbert to its most successful season in school history.

While working to achieve top-notch results on the field, Brown also achieved in the classroom. He graduated from NIU in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, and is now pursuing his Master's in Sport and Exercise Science.