The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Watson Brown Named Interim Athletics Director At UAB
6/27/2002 12:00:00β―AM | Football
June 27, 2002
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Watson Brown, who has directed the University of Alabama at Birmingham football program as head coach since 1995, has been named the school's Interim Director of Athletics, according to an announcement Thursday by UAB Interim President Malcolm Portera.
Brown, who took over the Blazer football program one year before it moved to the Division I-A ranks, will continue to lead UAB football in addition to his new role as AD. Herman Frazier resigned last week as UAB's Athletics Director to become the Director of Athletics at the University of Hawaii. Frazier had served in his position here since August, 2000.
"I have been seeking the advice of people within the University and from community supporters of our athletic program regarding the best course of action regarding the leadership of our athletic program," Portera said in announcing Brown's appointment. "The amount of enthusiasm and support that I received about athletics was heartening.
"Everyone I spoke with recognizes the value of UAB athletics and how important they are to our continued progress as a University as it relates to recruiting new students and enriching our community," he said. "Another consistent message that I heard was that we have the right person here already. As such, I have asked Watson Brown to step in as interim Athletics Director. I am pleased that he has agreed to this position, effective August 1."
Handling the dual role of AD and head football coach is nothing new for Brown, 52. While serving as head coach at Rice University (1984-85), Brown also held the athletics director post with the Owls during his second year in Houston.
"I respect and appreciate the opportunity which Dr. Portera and the University have presented to me," said Brown. "I know the challenges ahead and realize that it's going to be a lot of work. But at the same time, we are totally committed to getting this done and having a successful athletics program.
"This athletics program has a strong tradition and has excellent coaches in all of our sports," said Brown. "What we've got to do is get out into this community and knock on every door. We have to get the word out on the good things at UAB. I believe if we work hard and do those things, we can get this community behind us."
A veteran of 29 years in the coaching profession, Brown is set to begin his eighth season at the helm of the UAB football program this fall. He has guided the Blazers to a 37-40 record during that time which includes back-to-back winning (7-4 and 6-5) the past two campaigns. His 2001 UAB squad, the second straight to be bowl-eligible, finished second in the Conference USA standings.
Brown came to UAB after spending two seasons at Oklahoma as offensive coordinator. Brown served in the same position at Mississippi State in 1991-92. From 1986-90, Brown was the head coach at Vanderbilt, his alma mater.
His stint with the Commodores followed one year at Cincinnati and his two years at Rice. Brown's first head coaching experience came at Austin Peay where he served two seasons (1979-80).
A 1973 graduate of Vanderbilt, Brown is a native of Cookeville, Tenn. He is married to the former Brenda Arnold, and they have two children: daughter Ginny, who was a four-year letterwinner in basketball at Georgia State University (1996-00) and served last year as the junior varsity girls' basketball coach at Homewood High School and is pursuing her teaching degree at UAB; and son Steven, who will be a junior at Vestavia Hills High School this fall.
