COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee Tech assistant football coach Thomas Cox has decided to leave coaching to take a position with Life Church in Cookeville. Cox recently completed his sixth season on Watson Brown's staff where he coached the Golden Eagle offensive linemen. He also served as the Director of Football Operations for the 2012 season.

"I am excited about a new opportunity in my life and excited to serve in the community I love," Cox said. "The past six years have been an absolute joy.

"The lessons I have learned and the relationships I have forged are an unbelievable blessing," Cox added. "Watson Brown has been a second father, mentor, and boss all rolled in to one and I am indebted to him for life for what he has taught me and the opportunity he gave me. As for the players I have been associated with, I hope I have impacted and taught  them just half of what they have me."
   
He worked his first two seasons on the staff directing the Golden Eagle wide receivers, helping develop talents such as Larry Shipp and Tim Benford. For the past four years, the 33-year-old has worked at developing the skills of several standouts such as Slade Adams, Scott Schweitzer, Michael Baker, Hunter Beedle, Malcolm Jones, Wesley Sherill and James Normand.

"Thomas as been an outstanding asset to Tennessee Tech football and I am proud to have included him on our coaching staff these past six years," Brown said. "He showed outstanding leadership qualities as a player at UAB, and saw those same leadership traits during his years on our staff.

"We wish Thomas and his family all the best as they move in a different direction," Brown added. "I know that he will be successful in his new role, and will bring the same passion to Life Church that he brought every day to our football program in teaching and coaching our young men."

By staying in town, Cox said he will continue to follow the Golden Eagles closely.

"My family and I love TTU and will continue to be involved in supporting the university in any way possible," he said.

Brown said he will begin the process immediately of filling the vacancy on his staff.