Former Hawkeye All-American wrestler Nelson Brands joins the coaching ranks

The Brands' name is synonymous with success in Iowa wrestling. Before joining the coaching ranks, Iowa Men's Wrestling Head Coach Tom Brands was a star for Iowa and internationally. He was a four-time All-American and a three-time NCAA Champion (1989-1992).

Brands also succeeded as a wrestler on the international stage, winning an Olympic Gold Medal in 1996.

Brands completed his 19th season at the helm of the Hawkeyes following the 2024-2025. In 19 years as head coach, Brands has accumulated a 291-28-1 (140-15 Big Ten) record.

During his coaching career with Iowa, Brands has guided the Hawkeyes to four NCAA Team Titles and six Big Ten Titles, crowning 14 individual NCAA Champions, 26 Big Ten Champions, and 109 All-Americans.

One of those former All-Americans (and his nephew) is joining the coaching ranks.

Nelson Brands, the son of Iowa Men's Wrestling Associate Head Coach Terry Brands, and nephew of Head Coach Tom Brands, is getting his start in coaching. Nelson is a former Hawkeye wrestler (2018-2024) and a two-time All-American. He finished as high as No. 5 at the 2023 NCAA Championships.

Before committing to Iowa, Nelson was a three-time high school state champion (2016-2018) for Iowa City West High School in Iowa City, Iowa.

In addition to being a successful collegiate wrestler, Nelson worked as a youth clinician for multiple wrestling camps nationwide.

He takes over for fellow former Hawkeye, Drew Bennett. Bennett announced in March that he was stepping down as the head coach of the Regina Regals after one season.

Brands is ecstatic to take over as the next Regals' head coach and made the following statement to the Iowa City Press-Citizen:

"I am so excited to join the Regina community. Let's build something special and successful. Go Regals!"

Nelson Brands, Regina Men's Wrestling HC

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