Tallahassee State College announced this week that Brett Rutherford will assume the role of Director of Athletics, while Trent Short will take the helm of the men’s basketball program.
A New Direction for Tigers Athletics
Rutherford returns to the institution after a stint as Assistant for Athletics and Communication, followed by a period at Wake Technical Community College, bringing a blend of internal familiarity and fresh perspective.
Short arrives with a strong coaching pedigree, having compiled a 117‑45 record over nine seasons at several junior‑college and small‑college programs, including Chipola College, Jones College, the University of Mobile and Central Methodist University.
His work has produced players who later competed at Division I institutions such as Florida A&M and the University of Buffalo, underscoring his ability to develop talent that can compete at the highest level of collegiate basketball.
The appointments come as the college replaces Chuck Moore, whose contract was not renewed in April, and follows Corey Hendren’s departure to a Division I assistant position at Georgia State University, marking a transitional phase for the program’s leadership.
Both Rutherford and Short have emphasized student success as a cornerstone of their vision, promising to integrate academic support with athletic ambition and to foster a culture where competitive excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.