East Tennessee State men’s basketball head coach Brooks Savage announced staff changes in preparation for the Buccaneers’ 2025–26 season, featuring two new staff members in Assistant Coach Miles Lester and Director of Sport Performance for Men’s Basketball Noah Spainhour.
Following the spring departure of assistant coach Brian Jones – who returned to Bradley after two seasons with ETSU – Savage has elevated Cory Dixon to assistant coach alongside Kris Arkenberg and Marcus Belcher.
“I’m happy for Brian as he returned to Bradley,” said Savage. “We wish him all the best as he was tremendous. Kris, Marcus and Cory are three of the best assistants I’ve worked with. They know the transfer portal and the ever-changing landscape inside and out. I appreciate their loyalty, belief in the vision, and their daily effort to bring a championship back to Johnson City.”
Blake Sexton will continue in his role as Assistant Coach and Director of Operations after joining the staff last season.
Lester comes to ETSU from Drury University (Mo.) where he served as an assistant coach this past season. Lester played two seasons at both Rice and Wake Forest. He served as a graduate assistant for Kelvin Sampson at Houston prior to his season at Drury.
“I’m excited to have Miles join our staff,” said Savage. “He brings a ton of enthusiasm and a high work ethic that will benefit our players daily.”
Spainhour comes to Johnson City after one season in the same role at Stephen F. Austin. Prior to SFA, Spainhour was the assistant strength and conditioning coach at the University of Miami (Fla.) and Wake Forest.
“Noah brings a seamless transition to our Sport Performance position – replacing his brother Josh – who did an outstanding job for us the past two seasons,” said Savage. “Noah shares a similar philosophy as Josh and Mike Starke (Wake Forest/ETSU). He is a strong relationship builder and will really invest in our players’ development.”
Coach Savage, staff and players will be holding Youth Skills Camp from June 9-12. Campers can register at www.coachsavagehoops.com.
Season tickets for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign start at $125 for upper baseline seats. For more information or to purchase season tickets, visit ETSUTickets.com or call 423-439-3878
2025-26 Coaching Staff
Brooks Savage – Head Coach
Kris Arkenberg – Assistant Coach
Marcus Belcher – Assistant Coach
Cory Dixon – Assistant Coach
Miles Lester – Assistant Coach
Blake Sexton – Assistant Coach/Director of Basketball Operations
Noah Spainhour – Director of Sport Performance
