East Texas Baptist is moving on from head coach Brian Mayper following a second consecutive 5-5 season. Defensive coordinator Calvin Ruzicka will be the new head coach, as first reported by Tweeting The Tigers. Mayper posted a 25-20 record during his five years at the helm of the Tigers and announced he will retire from collegiate coaching to pursue other opportunities.

ETBU tied for third in the American Southwest Conference in Mayper’s first season, which was the best finish for the Tigers under Mayper. The Tigers were 15-8 in the ASC during his first three seasons but were 8-9 over the last two years.

Mayper brought Josh Moore onto his staff during the offseason to lead the quarterbacks and serve as offensive coordinator. However, the offense only averaged 21.5 points while converting 32.7 percent of third down attempts and committed 21 turnovers.

Mayper’s five seasons at ETBU is the longest tenure from an ETBU head football coach since Mark Sartain departed following six seasons at the helm. The next head coach will be the fifth head coach since Sartain left after the 2012 campaign.

Ruzicka has spent the last five years on the Tigers defensive staff under Mayper. Prior to joining ETBU, Ruzicka spent 17 seasons on the staff at Cedar Hill High School and was a part of state titles in 2006, 2013, and 2014. The Tigers defense was a bright spot this year, allowing 22.1 points and 304.9 yards per game.