Tennessee Tech has hired former NFL wideout DeShon Foxx to serve as the university’s new deputy athletic director to oversee day-to-day external operations.
Athletic Director Casey Fox said the addition allows the department to expand its senior leadership team.
“I was looking to expand the senior leadership and bring somebody else that had a similar but different, you know, views of things, you know, and how to help shape and grow this department into a consistently, you know, championship-winning athletic department,” Fox said. “And so, the opportunity to bring somebody of the caliber of Deshawn onto our staff was a no-brainer for me.”
Fox said the deputy athletic director will work to bring the external unit together to create a cohesive message and brand for the university. Fox said Foxx will be involved in every major decision the department makes moving forward.
“He blew me away in his interviews,” Fox said. “He is articulate, intelligent, well-spoken, but also understands the business that we are in.”
Fox said Foxx played football at the University of Connecticut before playing professionally for the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Jets. Fox said the new hire also brings several years of experience in college athletics administration to the position.
“He understands the sports side of things,” Fox said. “But, you know, having worked in college athletics administration for the past few years, he understands that side of it as well.”
Fox said the university needs to grow its revenue through ticket sales, fundraising, and corporate partnerships to remain competitive in a new conference. Fox said increased funding allows the department to reinvest in its programs and provide necessary resources for student-athletes.
“We want those in the region and those outside, you know, nationally to see what a great university this is,” Fox said. “And ultimately, that’s the ultimate goal is to help drive that and hopefully help get high school students interested in Tennessee Tech.”
Fox said the department is aiming for its programs to compete in the top two or three spots of the conference every year. Fox said the goal is to sell out the football stadium and draw large crowds for men’s and women’s basketball games.
“As that grows, engaging the community and engaging corporate partners here and returning that value back to them that drives fans to their businesses,” Fox said. “And then those that want to be part of it and invest into our programs, whether it’s through our champions clubs like the Quarterback Club or the Sixth Man Club or the Legacy Club, you know, giving and supporting our student-athletes in what we’re trying to accomplish.”
Fox said he expects Foxx to be a “home run hire” who will be honest and willing to share his own thoughts on department operations. Fox said the university is currently making investments into football, basketball, baseball, and softball.
“I’ve got high hopes that I’ve found somebody that shares a vision, but isn’t going to be afraid to give me his thoughts and be honest and work together and disagree at times if we need to,” Fox said. “You know, from disagreement always comes some good ideas.”
