Clay Conner

Biography

Clay Conner enters his second season as an assistant coach at Penn State in 2026-27 and fourth season overall in Happy Valley after serving as director of player development for the Nittany Lions from 2023-25. One of the rising young coaches in college basketball, Conner has quickly earned a reputation as an elite relationship-builder and player development coach with a strong track record of helping student-athletes maximize their potential on and off the court. A key member of Mike Rhoades’ staff both at VCU and Penn State, Conner has played an instrumental role in the development of multiple All-Conference performers. Known for his energy, work ethic and ability to connect with players, Conner has helped foster winning cultures throughout his coaching career while contributing to NCAA Tournament teams, conference championships and sustained player success. Conner was elevated to assistant coach at Penn State ahead of the 2025-26 season. Conner has been vital in the development of Penn State’s key players since arriving in Happy Valley, including back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Ace Baldwin Jr., first-round NBA Draft pick Yanic Konan Niederhauser, and a total of six All-Big Ten selections. Conner came to Happy Valley from VCU where he served as the director of player development during the 2022-23 season following a two-year stint as a graduate assistant with the Rams. Conner played a key role in VCU’s 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance and Atlantic 10 regular