Aug. 10, 2007

From PA Sports Ticker

BETHLEHEM, PENNSYLVANIA -- Lehigh did not waste much time finding a replacement for the departed Billy Taylor.

The Mountain Hawks on Friday named Brett Reed the school's new men's basketball coach.

The decision to promote Reed from associate coach came three days after Taylor opted to leave the school for the vacancy at Ball State.

Reed had served as an assistant under Taylor for five years prior to being elevated.

"I am honored to be named the Murray H. Goodman men's basketball coach here at Lehigh University," Reed said. "I would like to thank (dean of athletics) Dr. Joe Sterrett for his ongoing support and confidence in my professional capabilities. I would also like to thank Billy Taylor for his mentorship throughout the last five years."

With Reed as an assistant, Lehigh captured the Patriot League championship in 2004. This past year, the Mountain Hawks went 12-19, including 7-7 in the league.

"Brett Reed has been quite impressive in his work as an assistant, Sterrett said. "He is respected by our student-athletes, he is an excellent teacher and communicator, and he has been an extremely productive recruiter. I admire his values, his work ethic, his energy, and his devotion to our players, their education, and their experience. He has earned and deserves this opportunity."

Prior to coming to Lehigh, Reed was an assistant for two years at High Point University. He also served as the director of basketball operations at UNC-Greensboro during the 1999-2000 season.