By Richard Pryor III
Executive Staff
On February 6, the Sewanee Athletics Department announced the resignation of Head Coach for football Tommy Laurendine. Laurendine, who oversaw the Tigers’ 0-10 season in 2016, resigned to “pursue other coaching opportunities,” according to the Athletics Department.
Laurendine, Sewanee’s 30th head coach, who also served as offensive coordinator, had led the Tigers for six seasons after being hired from The Citadel, where he served as Offensive Coordinator as well as quarterbacks and fullbacks coach. Laurendine previously served in the same position at Lenoir-Rhyne College, Washington and Lee University, and Southern Arkansas University. He had an overall record of 15-45 at Sewanee and was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Co-Coach of the Year in 2011 while leading the Tigers to a 5-5 record, the best record he set with the team. He is the 11th winningest coach in school history.
Despite his record, Laurendine left a positive impact on Sewanee, with Sewanee Athletic Director Mark Webb saying that Laurendine “leaves the University with our deepest gratitude and very best wishes.” Offensive Linesman John Gaither (C’19) said “Coach Laurendine was a great guy and he will be missed. Right now we just need to continue to work hard in the weight room, help out with recruiting and let everything work itself out.”