Brette Tanner promoted to head coach at Abilene Christian

Just one day after Joe Golding left for UTEP, Abilene Christian assistant Brette Tanner has been promoted to head coach of the Wildcats. Tanner has been with Golding at ACU since the program transitioned to Division I play in 2013 and played a key role developing the teams that went to two NCAA Tournaments in the last three years.

“To say Brette was instrumental in our success these past few years is an understatement,” AD Allen Ward said in a statement Wednesday. “Not only did he have a hand in practically every aspect of the program, but he was the architect of our nationally ranked defense. He was responsible for recruiting many of the players that achieved the level of success we’ve experienced the past few years. As I examine where we are as a program, and how best to build upon our championship success, Brette is unequivocally the best coach to take the reins for us.”

Tanner’s roles at ACU have revolved around defense and recruiting, helping to develop a culture within the program of which he is now at the helm. Prior to his arrival in Abilene, he spent seven seasons at Stephen F. Austin. He also had a four-year stint as the head coach at Fort Scott CC in Kansas and was previously an assistant there under new Texas head coach Chris Beard.

“I’m humbled and honored to be the next head coach of Abilene Christian basketball, and to continue leading this program,” Coach Tanner said Tanner. “This is a place my family and I have grown to love and we’re excited to stay here.”

credit to David Mitchell/Abilene Christian for the photo