COACHING STAFF “We’re excited to be coming back to Cookeville,” Brown said at the packed press conference. “This is a great opportunity to make a move and really improve the Golden Eagle football program to the point where we can win conference championships and make a run at a national championship.” Brown left his position as head coach at UAB after 12 seasons. Mark Wilson, TTU Director of Athletics, echoed the excitement voiced by Brown about the future of TTU football. “We are excited to attract a coach with the head coaching experience that Watson Brown has,” Wilson said. “We look forward to him leading our team to Ohio Valley Conference championships and regional and national prominence.” Brown has previously coached at two schools that are members of the Ohio Valley Conference, serving as head coach at Austin Peay for two years and assistant coach at Jacksonville State, then a Division II program, for two years.
“Cookeville is home. It’s where my wife and I are from, and it’s neat to have that as part of this decision, too,” Brown said. “The decision to make a change is always difficult, especially when you’ve spent 12 years building a program from scratch,” Brown said, “Mark (Wilson) had a lot to do with it. I felt comfortable with him, and I really respect his attitude and what he wants to accomplish.” Brown returned to the town where he was a talented baseball, football and basketball player at Cookeville High School. He signed with Vanderbilt out of high school and was a standout quarterback for the Commodores from 1969-72. He is best remembered by many Commodore fans for leading Vandy to a 14-10 victory over Alabama in 1969. Brown was named the Sports Illustrated National Back of the Week for his efforts. continued on next page
Watson Brown’s Career Head Coaching Won-Loss Record 1979 1980 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Austin Peay Austin Peay Cincinnati Rice Rice Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Vanderbilt UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB UAB Tennessee Tech Tennessee Tech Tennessee Tech
25 seasons
7-4 7-4 4-6-1 1-10 3-8 1-10 4-7 3-8 1-10 1-10 5-6 5-6 5-6 4-7 5-6 7-4 6-5 5-7 5-7 7-5 5-6 3-9 4-7 3-9 6-5
107-172-1
2010 F TENNESSEE TECH FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE
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