Jason Shay resigns after one season as East Tennessee State head coach

East Tennessee State head coach Jason Shay stepped down from his position on Tuesday. Shay had been at ETSU since 2015 and spent the 2020-21 season as the head coach, going 13-12.

“I have decided it is in the best interest of myself, my family, and the ETSU men’s basketball program to no longer continue as head coach,” Shay said in an official statement. “To my players and staff, thank you for all of your hard work, dedication and belief in me and our program. Leaving you will be the most difficult part as I truly love each and every one of you.”

“Earlier today Coach Jason Shay shared with me his intention to resign as head men’s basketball coach at East Tennessee State,” AD Scott Carter said in the release. “I fully respect Coach Shay’s decision and have accepted his resignation. Coach Shay is part of our championship history at ETSU, and I thank him and his family for the effort they have given our university.”

While unconfirmed, the resignation seems related to Shay and his team’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem before a game in February and the criticism that received within the state, including a negative response from Republicans in Tennessee legislature. We will update this story with more details when available.

credit to Kevin Bires/Kingsport Times News for the photo