Tallahassee State College has made joint hires for its athletic leadership.
The school announced on Friday, May 15, that Brett Rutherford is the new Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation, and Trent Short has been hired as the Eagles’ head men’s basketball coach.
Both will bring experience and student-focused leadership to one of the premier junior college programs in Florida.
“We are excited to welcome Brett Rutherford and Trent Short to Tallahassee State College,” Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Sheri 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.”
Who is Brett Rutherford, new Tallahassee State athletic director?
Rutherford, a Florida State University graduate, previously served as TSC’s Assistant for Athletics and Communication, Lead Broadcaster, and Sports Information Assistant before leaving in 2023 to become Wake Technical Community College’s Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations.
As the new athletic director, Rutherford will replace Chuck Moore, whose contract wasn’t renewed in April. Rowland served as the interim during the search.
Rutherford will start on July 1.
“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. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Rowland and [Tallahassee State President Dr. Jim Murdaugh] for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get to work.”
Who is Trent Short, Tallahassee State’s new basketball coach?
Short brings nine years of college coaching prowess, holding a 117-45 record. He most recently served as the associate head coach at Chipola College, helping the Indians to multiple appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament and a Sweet 16 berth in 2025-26.
The new TSC hoops coach replaces Corey Hendren, who left in April to become an NCAA Division I assistant coach at Georgia State University.
Short has also coached at Jones College, the University of Mobile, and Central Methodist University. Throughout his career, he’s been integral in developing players who went on to play at Division I schools, including Florida A&M, the University of Buffalo, Louisiana Tech, Texas Christian University, and Western Kentucky.
Short has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in higher education and leadership from the University of Mobile. As a player, he was a two-time all-conference selection and still holds the school’s three-point shooting record.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the men’s basketball program at Tallahassee State College,” Short said.
“TSC has a strong tradition of success, and I’m excited to build relationships with our student-athletes, campus community, and fans. My goal is to develop young men who compete at a high level, succeed academically, and represent the College with pride.”
Gerald Thomas, III, is a multi-time national award-winning reporter for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat.
Follow his award-winning coverage on RattlerNews.com and contact him via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on the app formerly known as Twitter @3peatgee.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: TSC taps Brett Rutherford as AD, Trent Short as men’s basketball coach
Reporting by Gerald Thomas III, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
