Casey Fox said he will focus on students first as he takes over the Athletic Director position at Tennessee Tech.
Fox introduced Thursday morning. Fox comes over from Montana State where he held the role of Deputy Athletic Director. Fox said he wants to build the Tennessee Tech program similarly to how Montana State changed its program.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be entrusted with leading the athletics program here at Tennessee Tech. I’m truly grateful for your confidence in me and I’m excited for the journey ahead,” Fox said. “I want to help build something special right here in Cookeville, and I’m ready to get started.”
Fox said he wants to improve everything about Golden Eagles football. Fox said he also wants to improve the facilities amidst ongoing football field projects. Fox oversaw Montana State’s football team selling out season tickets each of the last three seasons.
The move marks the first new athletic director for Tennessee Tech in over 20 years. Mark Wilson stepped down as the Golden Eagles athletic director last month.
“When Drew [Turner] first contacted me about this position, the first thought that popped into my head was ‘There’s no way I’m moving to Tennessee,'” Fox said. “But I took a closer look at the role, dug into the numbers and the potential, and something started to click.”
Fox said he talked with Tennessee Tech president Phil Oldham and heard his vision for the university. Fox said he became intrigued by the untapped potential at Tennessee Tech.
Fox brings over 25 years of experience at the NCAA Division One level. He led fundraising for an indoor football and track and field facility while at Montana State. The facility is set to open later this year.
Fox met with most athletic staff before the official press conference. Fox said the expectation for Tennessee Tech was simply outlined.
“The expectation is to win,” Fox said. “Win in the classroom, win on the field, win in how we serve our community, win we how we fundraise, how we lead, how we represent Tennessee Tech.”
Fox said his goal is to become leaders across the conference in competition, academics, revenue, and in impact. Fox said he would not be at Tennessee Tech if he did not think that was possible.
Fox takes over the new Golden Eagle Collective, an NIL collective which started during the last school year. Fox said he prefers to sit down with the coaches and talk about next steps. Fox said everyone is flying by the seat of their pants with the new NIL deals.
“It’s a new day in college sports,” Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said. “It’s a new day for Tennessee Tech athletics, and we need a new leader to get us to where we need to go.”
Casey Fox becomes the 11th athletic director in Tennessee Tech program history.
