While students returned from spring break, the ETSU men’s basketball also saw the unexpected return of Brooks Savage, the former men’s basketball assistant coach for ETSU from 2015 to 2020.
Richard Sander announced Savage as the new men’s basketball coach, the 19th coach in the team’s history.
Savage shared it was a special day for his family, and he was excited to return to Johnson City.
“I want to thank President Dr. Brian Noland and Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander for entrusting me with the future of the program and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime,” Savage said. “I know that we share the same pride, passion and vision for ETSU men’s basketball, and to be able to work with two extraordinary leaders and people I have great respect for makes this a tremendous opportunity.”
During Savage’s time as assistant coach, the ETSU men’s basketball team won over 75% of their games and captured two Southern Conference regular season titles and two tournament championships.
“Coach Savage’s fingerprints were all over the program’s success when he was here as an assistant, and now, we are excited to bring him back home to lead our men’s basketball program,” said Sander. “He has had great success in every place he has coached and he knows what it takes to build a championship program. Brooks will be a tremendous leader for our student-athletes both on and off the court.”
ETSU President Brian Noland shared in the same excitement in the room following the announcement. He mentioned being thrilled about bringing Savage back to ETSU and looking forward to his growth over time.
“Our community has long admired the grit, determination, toughness and work ethic of Coach Brooks Savage,” Noland said. “He has a deep understanding of the history of excellence that defines our men’s basketball program, as he helped write an important chapter.”
Savage graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2008 with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management and business. He served as a student manager and graduate assistant during his time as a student and was part of five Volunteer NCAA Tournament teams.
“ETSU has always been a dream job destination for me,” Savage concluded. “We loved our time here before. My family loves this community and this university. The tradition, resources, facilities and the passionate fan base makes ETSU an incredible place to coach. We will work tirelessly to once again make ETSU one of the premier mid-major basketball programs in the country.”
For more information about the ETSU men’s basketball team and their upcoming season, visit etsubucs.com/mbasketball/.
