TTU Begins Search for Next Men’s Basketball Coach

Tennessee Tech will soon begin searching for the school’s next head men’s basketball coach following the resignation of Steve Payne.

Athletic Director Mark Wilson said Payne’s positive impact on students will be missed.

“Coach Payne has been a big part of the Tennessee Tech family for a long period of time, and has done a great job as an assistant coach and head coach at Tennessee Tech,” Wilson said. “His contributions to Tennessee Tech have been extraordinary and we thank him for his excellent service in leading students at Tennessee Tech.”

Payne announced his resignation from the men’s basketball program Sunday following an 8-23 2018-2019 season.

Wilson said the ideal candidate will make academic success a top priority along with success in recruiting and on the court.

“We want somebody that, like Coach Payne, is committed to the academic success of student athletes,” Wilson said. “That is the number one goal of student athletes at Tennessee Tech, to succeed academically and leave here with a degree that will help them be meaningful in the life that they choose.”

Tennessee Tech won the Ohio Valley Conference Academic Achievement Award twice under Payne, presented to teams with the highest number of athletes with a 3.25 GPA or higher.

Payne led the Golden Eagles to a 118-134 record in eight seasons as the head men’s basketball coach.

Wilson said he and the rest of the Athletic Department wish Payne the best of luck in his future endeavors. Associate head coach Jason Taylor will stay on as acting head coach during the university’s search.