Buzz Peterson named Coastal Carolina Coach

Thomkal · 04-13-2005, 03:09 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/column...ndy&id=2036113

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Updated: March 6, 2005
Peterson coached Tennessee this season



By Andy Katz, ESPN.com




Former Tennessee coach Buzz Peterson will be named head coach at Coastal Carolina.

He withdrew from the Florida Atlantic search Tuesday night and decided to take the Coastal Carolina job, which is located in Conway, S.C. He was expected to be introduced Friday, athletic spokesman John Martin.

The coach replaces Pete Strickland, who was fired last month after seven seasons. Strickland never made the NCAA tournament and never even had a winning season, finishing 70-127.

Peterson said he wanted to stay in coaching, even though he received a $1.4 million buyout from Tennessee. He went 61-59 in four seasons with the Volunteers, losing twice in the opening round of the NIT. 

Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Bruce Pearl replaced Peterson at Tennessee nearly three weeks ago.

Peterson said he didn't want to sit out the year and was willing to go back to coaching at any level. Peterson coached at Appalachian State before going to Tulsa and then to Tennessee. Peterson played for Dean Smith at North Carolina.

Well since Coastal Carolina is the local college here, thought I should comment on this. Great news for Coastal really, snagging a well-known coach instead of some no-name assistant from South Carolina or Miami as would have happened without Peterson showing interest. Should only help in recruiting.

A bit surprised Peterson couldn't get a higher profile job-but then perhaps he needed a break after the follies at Tennessee. He's inheriting a team that hasn't had a winning season in about eight years or so (and this playing in the non-competitive Big South where only Winthrop has a quality program), but does have the current Big South Player of the year and Rookie of the Year on the roster. And there is a push to move them into more respected Southern League.

They also play in an arena that's isn't any better than a big name high school arena. Though there are plans being floated for a new arena if they get the financing. Which they must have because just this morning a minor league hockey team is moving here next year to play in said non-existent arena.

That 1.4 mil buyout probably is why he won't mind the $120,000 or so he'll make at Coastal. Should certainly be a lot of interest in the basketball program come next season here, hope Peterson can lead the Chanticleers to the promised land.

WSUCougar · 04-13-2005, 04:06 PM

That can't be right. I am the coach at Coastal Carolina. Led them to the tourney last season. Where - ironically - we lost to Tennessee.

Poli · 04-13-2005, 05:45 PM

Ha. Good luck with Peterson. I felt he got a bit of a bum rap at UT.

04-13-2005, 04:06 PM	#2
WSUCougar Rider Of Rohan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Port Angeles, WA or Helm's Deep	That can't be right. I am the coach at Coastal Carolina. Led them to the tourney last season. Where - ironically - we lost to Tennessee. __________________ It's not the years...it's the mileage.

04-13-2005, 05:45 PM	#3
Poli FOFC Survivor Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wentzville, MO	Ha. Good luck with Peterson. I felt he got a bit of a bum rap at UT. __________________ Cheer for a walk on quarterback! Ardent leads the Vols in the dynasty forum.

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