East Tennessee State University Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander has named seasoned athletics administrator David Blackburn as the new General Manager of Revenue Sports, overseeing football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.
With more than three decades of experience in collegiate athletics, Blackburn steps into this newly established role to lead ETSU’s efforts in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and revenue-sharing initiatives. He will act as the primary point of contact for agents, student-athletes, and their families during contract negotiations and NIL partnerships. Additionally, Blackburn will collaborate with head coaches Will Healy (football), Brooks Savage (men’s basketball), and Brenda Mock Brown (women’s basketball) on roster management, scheduling, and strategic planning—freeing up coaches to concentrate more on team development and performance.
“We’re thrilled to have David on board,” said Dr. Sander. “His depth of experience, strong network, and leadership abilities are second to none. He’ll provide tremendous support to our coaching staff so they can focus on what they do best—coaching and mentoring our student-athletes.”
Blackburn previously served as the Director of Athletics at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he helped the Mocs become the first Southern Conference school to win championships in football, men’s, and women’s basketball in a single season. He also held leadership roles at the University of Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State. A Tennessee native, Blackburn brings a wealth of connections and a national reputation that ETSU aims to leverage for long-term program success.
ETSU becomes a pioneer in the Southern Conference and across FCS programs by introducing the General Manager model to multiple sports. Blackburn is the first to serve in this role for any SoCon basketball program and is one of the first football GMs in the conference without coaching duties. The move also makes ETSU the first FCS program in Tennessee to implement a dedicated football GM role.
“ETSU is taking a bold, innovative step by establishing this position, and I’m thrilled David is the one leading it,” said Coach Mock Brown. “He’s the ideal person for the job—experienced, personable, and deeply knowledgeable. He will elevate our program in all the right ways.”
This strategic move reflects ETSU’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve as college athletics continue to evolve.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Appointing David as General Manager of ETSU’s revenue sports is a groundbreaking move. With today’s college athletics landscape changing rapidly, this role is crucial. I’ve known David for years—his deep knowledge of the game will make a major impact.”
– Jon Gruden, Super Bowl-winning former NFL head coach
“David has been a trusted colleague for years. He’s worked with legends like Pat Summitt and Phillip Fulmer, and he understands what it takes to build championship-level programs.”
– Bruce Pearl, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Auburn University
“David is the ideal choice to oversee ETSU’s revenue sports. His vast experience makes him uniquely equipped to handle the complex challenges coaches face today.”
– Jim Foster, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, former head coach at St. Joseph’s, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, and Chattanooga
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