North Carolina A&T Coach, 2021 National Coach Of The Year, To Lead Vols

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

One of the brightest lights in college coaching, Duane Ross of North Carolina A&T, has landed a job in the Southeastern Conference. 

The University of Tennessee on Tuesday introduced Ross as the Volunteer track and field and cross country program's new director. 

Ross, who brought N.C. A&T to national relevance as a track and field power, will stay with the Aggies through the upcoming NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships. 

Ross' son, Olympian Randolph Ross, a junior, is the NCAA leader and reigning national champion in the 400 meters. His best time so far in 2022 is 44.83 seconds but he has a best of 43.85, third-fastest in collegiate history.

Duane Ross spent a decade changing perceptions about what was possible for track program at an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and in 2021 the Aggies' program was the only one in the country to place in the top five of both the men's and women's team standings at the NCAA Championships. 

Ross signed a five-year contract that will keep him at Rocky Top until 2027. He is expected to canvas the track and field and running community to hire an "elite distance coach to oversee Tennessee's cross country program."

The Tennesse men's track and field program owns three national championships -- 1974, 1991 and 2001 -- and the women finished second on two occasions (1982 and 1984). 

Under eight-year head coach Beth Alford-Sullivan, the men's team finished third in the recent SEC Championships, it's best finish since 2008. The women were ninth. 

Alford-Sullivan, who came to Knoxville from Penn State in 2014, was the first woman to lead an SEC men's program in any sport. Her contract expires June 30.