After an electric playoff win at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium against Kennesaw State earlier this month, head coach Randy Sanders knew it would likely be the last time he walked off that field.
On Dec. 13, Sanders announced his retirement during an ETSU Athletics press conference.
“I’m going to step down; I’ve talked to the coaches, I’ve talked to the team, it hasn’t been an easy decision,” said Sanders during the conference. “It’s been a tough thing, but I appreciate Scott [Carter], Dr. [Brian] Noland, for giving me the opportunity.”
This announcement comes following ETSU’s quarterfinal playoff game against North Dakota State this past Saturday, where the Bucs suffered a 27-3 loss, finishing the season with an 11-2 record.
Sanders remarked during the conference that this year was filled with many memorable moments, including coaching 19 total games, combined with the spring season.
He’s looking forward to being with his family, after spending the past 33 years in a coaching position– four of those years at ETSU.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my wife, who has been absolutely phenomenal for 33 years,” Sanders said. “I’m looking forward to spending time with my daughters. I’m looking forward to teaching my grandchildren how to fish.”
He is at peace and comfortable with his retirement and hopes to always be a part of the Buccaneer family.
Among the championships and accolades Sanders led the team toward, he hopes to be remembered for his impact on the players and the way they played.
“If there’s one thing I want to be known for, even more so than two championships, two playoff appearances, or whatever it is in the four years here, it’s that our team played the game the right way,” said Sanders. “They honored college football by how they played. Played hard, played fast, played physical. That’s the way the game is meant to be played.”
Sanders had an overall record of 26-17 during his four years as ETSU’s head coach.
