Bubba Smith led Sewanee to its best men's basketball record in almost two decades last season. Sewanee athletics file photo |
After leading Sewanee men's basketball to its most successful season in almost two decades, Bubba Smith stepped down from his post to take the lead job at Division II Lee University. Sewanee immediately named Smith's assistant Bradley Pierson as the next head coach.
Ryan "Bubba" Smith came to Sewanee in 2008 from Hampden-Sydney after leading that set of Tigers to 94 wins in five seasons. Hampden-Sydney went 25-5 and reached the NCAA tournament in Smith's first season.
Last season Smith led Sewanee to a 20-8 record, the program's best since 1997-1998. The Tigers reached the SAA tournament for their first playoff appearance since 2005. Smith leaves Sewanee with a 98-109 record in eight seasons, the third most coaching wins in program history. He won two conference Coach of the Year honors in 2013 and 2015.
"These last eight years have been some of the most rewarding years of my coaching profession," Smith said in a written statement. "We had a plan eight years ago to build the program the right way and attract young men of character who love to play the game. Those players are deserving of the success they achieved in taking Sewanee basketball to new heights. It also would not have been possible without the support and dedication that my assistant coaches, Josh Gibson and Bradley Pierson have played in recruiting such talented student-athletes."
Sewanee did not waste any time in selecting Pierson as its next head coach. Pierson played at Sewanee and was the Tigers' captain in Smith's first season at the helm. After graduating Pierson spent two years as an assistant at Berry and then returned to Sewanee where he was an assistant the past five seasons.
"Bradley has been an integral part of Sewanee basketball as both a player and as an assistant coach," said athletic director Mark Webb. "For the past five seasons, he has been the chief recruiter under coach Bubba Smith and has made invaluable contributions to the program. In addition to his abiding commitment to the mission of the University, Bradley brings a skill set that makes him uniquely qualified to serve as head coach of our men's basketball team. I am confident that the program will continue to thrive under his leadership."
"I could not be more excited to be the next head men's basketball coach at Sewanee," said Pierson. "I appreciate Dr. John McCardell and athletic director Mark Webb for providing me with this unbelievable opportunity. I would like to thank Bubba Smith for being an incredible coach, mentor, and friend over the past five years. As a graduate of the University, I feel blessed to continue working at such a unique place and look forward to making my mark on this already successful program."