Cookeville, Tenn. ? Watson Brown, the coach who oversaw UAB’s move to Division I-A during 12 seasons but suffered through a disappointing 3-9 year, resigned and was introduced as the coach at Tennessee Tech hours later Saturday.

The 45-year-old Brown is a Cookeville native.

“The time is right, and this is a great opportunity to make a quick move and really improve the Golden Eagle football program to the point where we can win conference championships and make a run at a national championship,” Brown said.

“We want to win immediately.”

Tennessee Tech officials planned to introduce Brown to fans at halftime of a men’s basketball game later Saturday night.

“We are excited to attract a coach with the head coaching experience that Watson Brown has,” Tennessee Tech athletic director Mark Wilson said. “We look forward to him leading our team to Ohio Valley Conference championships, regional and national prominence.”