Although he’s been working toward the transition for several years, the reality of actually stepping away from coaching the Brainerd High School boys’ basketball program has not quite sunk in for Levar Brown.
Brown, who has also worked as the school’s athletic director for 16 years, has stepped down after guiding the Panthers to 300 wins and seven TSSAA basketball state tournament appearances in 12 seasons as head coach to accept an administrative position at Hixson High School.
“In all honesty, I don’t know that it’s hit me yet,” said Brown, who spent 22 total years at Brainerd but will leave athletics to work as an assistant principal at Hixson. “It’s still surreal, even though I’ve been preparing for it for the past two years.
“What I wanted out of this journey as a coach and teacher was to build relationships that will last beyond basketball or the classroom. Now, I am excited to serve Hixson in the same way.”
Brown took over the Panthers for the legendary Robert High, who won more than 1,000 games and three TSSAA state championships. He worked as an assistant during High’s final six seasons leading the program.