Brian Anderson was officially selected East Central Community College’s head football coach today during the December meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees meeting on the Decatur campus.

The 36-year-old Anderson, who served the position on an interim basis this past fall following the sudden resignation of Steve Cheatham in mid July, said during an afternoon news conference that he “is very proud” to be chosen head coach.

“As I said when I was selected on an interim basis, it’s a great opportunity, a privilege and an honor to serve as East Central’s head football coach,” said the Warrior head mentor. “I certainly appreciate the confidence shown in me by Dr. Sutphin and the College’s Board of Trustees. I’m very excited about being head coach and look forward to continuing our efforts to help build the best football program possible at East Central Community College!”

ECCC President Dr. Phil Sutphin said Anderson, one of three candidates interviewed for the head coach position, “has the presence, energy and enthusiasm to move the College’s football program to a respectable level over the next decade. During the current year, the level of team discipline and the results in the classroom have demonstrated a commitment to the student athlete.”

Dr. Sutphin further stated his selection of Coach Anderson “is driven by my desire to build on the foundation that has begun over the last two years and to reinforce the current recruitment process that has continued despite the uncertainty of the search process.”

The other candidates were Freeman Horton, head football coach and athletic director at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, and Brad Peterson, head football coach at Louisville High School.

Anderson joined the ECCC staff in 2008 as offensive coordinator, running backs and quarterbacks coach, and continued to serve in that capacity when he was named interim coach.

The Warriors had one of the state’s top offensive units this past season, despite its 2-7 record. East Central finished third overall by averaging 423.6 yards per game. The rushing offense was also ranked third with a 179.6-yard average. The Warrior passing attack was fourth and averaged 249 yards per contest.

Prior to joining the ECCC staff, Anderson served as head football coach at Grenada High School for one season (2007-08) and posted a 5-6 record. He led the Philadelphia High School football program from 2004-07, amassing an overall 27-8 mark. His offenses were rated among the best at both schools. He is also a former assistant at Meridian, Philadelphia and Neshoba Central high schools.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Anderson was a football standout at Mississippi State University, where he was the starting center on the 1992-95 Bulldog squads and earned honorable mention All-American honors. He was twice named All-Southeastern Conference and received various other awards.

A native of Prattville, Ala., Anderson is married to the former Lea Ann Allen of Philadelphia. They have two children, Brady and Eli.