Tallahassee State College is making a power move in its athletic department, bringing in fresh leadership to elevate its programs. The school has officially announced two key hires: Brett Rutherford as the new Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, and Trent Short as the head men's basketball coach—both stepping in to drive student-athlete success and build on the college's proud sports legacy.
Rutherford, a Florida State University grad, is no stranger to TSC. He previously served as Assistant for Athletics and Communication, Lead Broadcaster, and Sports Information Assistant before leaving in 2023 to become Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations at Wake Technical Community College. Now he's returning to take the reins from Chuck Moore, whose contract wasn't renewed in April. Dr. Sheri Rowland, Vice President for Student Affairs, had been serving as interim athletic director during the search.
"Tallahassee State College is a special institution with a proud history of success in athletics," Rutherford said. "I look forward to building on that strong foundation and continuing to elevate the student-athlete experience, strengthen our programs, and ensure athletics reflects the excellence of the College."
On the hardwood, Trent Short brings serious coaching credentials. With nine years of college coaching experience and a stellar 117-45 record, he most recently served as associate head coach at Chipola College, where he helped guide the Indians to multiple NJCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth in 2025-26. He'll take over the Eagles' men's basketball program with a mission to keep the momentum rolling.
"We are excited to welcome Brett Rutherford and Trent Short to Tallahassee State College," Dr. Rowland said in the press release. "Both bring tremendous energy, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. These hires reflect our continued investment in Eagle Athletics and our belief in the important role athletics plays in building community, pride, and opportunities for our students."
For TSC fans, these moves signal a bright future—both in the front office and on the court. Whether you're repping Eagles gear or just love seeing programs invest in winning cultures, this is a story worth following.