Eric Young has been appointed as the new head coach of the Northeast Eagles boys basketball program, bringing with him a deep personal connection to the school and a résumé that blends playing experience at Austin Peay with professional stints in Scotland.
A Homecoming for Young
Young’s basketball journey began in Clarksville, where he starred for Austin Peay before taking his game overseas, spending two seasons in Scotland before returning to the States to coach at Northeast Middle School and assist veteran coaches John Stigall and Sam Young.
During his three‑year tenure on staff, the Eagles captured four consecutive district tournament titles from 2018 to 2021, a testament to the culture he helped instill. Sam Young, who guided the team to a 14‑12 record in his final season in 2023, praised Young’s ability to blend discipline with creativity.
The appointment follows the resignation of former coach Wayne Brimley, who stepped down after a three‑year stretch that produced a 7‑67 record, leaving the program in need of a fresh direction.
In his introductory remarks, Young described the hiring as “coming back home,” emphasizing his commitment to rebuilding the team’s culture, fostering unity, and laying the groundwork for sustained competitive performance.
He acknowledged that the transformation will not happen overnight, but he remains steadfast in his goal of cultivating a disciplined, cohesive unit that can contend in the coming seasons.