Following the completion of the 2025–26 Pioneer athletic season, Miles Community College (MCC) Athletic Director Jerry Olson will retire, and current MCC basketball coach Chase Tait has been named his successor.

The MCC Athletic Department announced that Tait has been promoted from Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director to Athletic Director effective June 1, 2026. Tait will continue to serve as MCC’s Sports Information Director, a role held in addition to his coaching duties for the last eight years.

“It is a great honor to replace Jerry Olson as the athletic director at MCC,” Tait said. “I love MCC and the town of Miles City, and I am excited to be in a new role with the great things happening at our school and in our community.”

Tait joined MCC in 2009 and has held multiple roles within the athletic department and the college. In addition to his responsibilities in athletics, Tait is also an MCC faculty member and has taught a variety of math courses, including Elementary Algebra, Introductory Algebra, and Intermediate Algebra. He has also previously taught Intro to Coaching, Technical Math, and Drug Health.

“Chase has been an asset to the athletic program for nearly 18 years, and his leadership as the Assistant Athletic Director and coach make him a natural fit to lead our entire athletic program,” said Vice President of Student Engagement & Auxiliary Services Richard DeShields. “His knowledge of the program will be invaluable as we transition from the outstanding leadership of Jerry Olson over the past eight years. Additionally, he has strong relationships throughout the community and the region that will support the continued growth of the Pioneer athletic program.”

As head men’s basketball coach, Tait has guided the Pioneers to two Region IX Final Four appearances and a Region XIII championship game. He also noted that some of the most meaningful moments in his coaching career have been seeing former players graduate from four-year universities and build successful lives after college.

“The biggest accomplishments are seeing our players graduate from four-year universities and have successful careers after college,” Tait said. “I love hearing of our former players becoming husbands and fathers and just being good people in the world.”

Tait said he is grateful for the opportunity to step into the role and continue supporting MCC student athletes.

“My dream as a kid growing up was to be a head college basketball coach, and I am fortunate that MCC gave me that opportunity,” he added. “I am beyond grateful for that.”

Tait is a graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman, where he earned a degree in Elementary Education. He also holds a master’s degree in Technology in Education.

“I am just thankful for the players that I was able to coach at MCC and all the great people of Miles City that have made this a great place for me to call home,” Tait said.

Miles Community College will recognize Olson’s retirement and Tait’s transition into the Athletic Director role throughout the 2025–26 season