Chuck Crawford has been named the head coach of the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders, becoming the third head coach of the Division I program in just two years.
MTSU director of athletics Chris Massaro announced the hiring decision on Tuesday saying, “Chuck Crawford comes to Middle Tennessee with a great deal of experience in developing players, and he has a successful track record of aiding student-athletes getting the most of their experience academically and athletically.”
Crawford will be replacing former head coach Dan Ahiers who spent less than a year with the team, resigning due to “alcoholic related behaviors,” according to the Daily NewsJournal.
Ahiers was originally the replacement for Matt Peck who was fired in November of 2015 due to poor performance.
Crawford has a long run of experience as a Division I assistant coach, including in Power 5 conferences. He’s coached at Georgia Tech, Miami (Ohio), and then spent the last three seasons with Auburn as an assistant. There he helped guide the Tigers to a 46-46 record.
Crawford said of the move, “Obviously I’m incredible excited…they have a history of winning on the national level. More importantly, I think they are known for the family atmosphere. Those are the things that attracted me the most – the people.”
The Blue Raiders won Sun Belt Conference championships in 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2010. From 2006 through 2011 the team received NCAA tournament bids.
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