ETSU Athletic Director Richard Sander announced Sunday afternoon that a leadership change had been made in the ETSU football program.
“I met with Coach George Quarles earlier today and informed him that we have decided to go in a different direction with the program,” said Sander. “I appreciate all that Coach Quarles has done for our student-athletes, ETSU and the community. We wish him and his family the best.”
Quarles, a legendary Tennessee high school football coach followed by a stint as an assistant on the staff at his alma mater of Furman, replaced Randy Sanders, who retired two seasons ago.
Sanders led the Bucs to the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2021. The 2021 team also posted a victory over SEC foe Vanderbilt and finished the season 11-2, 7-1 in the Southern Conference.
WJHL reported that Quarles will receive a $400,000 buyout. ETSU hired him at a base salary of $225,000, which was the same rate Sanders was being paid. Quarles was two years into a five-year contract.
Quarles’ two-year record was 6-16, with a conference record of 3-13.
The program will begin a national search immediately.
For more information, visit etsubucs.com.
