Byington named new coach at Georgia Southern

STATESBORO -- Georgia Southern has named former Virginia Tech assistant Mark Byington as coach of the Eagles men's basketball team.

Byington spent the 2012-13 season at Virginia Tech after working as an assistant at the College of Charleston for nine years. His time at the College of Charleston included seven seasons under Bobby Cremins, also the former Georgia Tech coach. Byington was 7-4 as Charleston's interim coach in the 2011-12 season after Cremins took a leave of absence.

Byington replaces Charlton "C.Y." Young, who was fired after posting a 43-84 record in four seasons. The Eagles were 14-19 overall and 7-11 in Southern Conference play this season.

Georgia Southern athletic director Tom Kleinlein says Byington, a 1998 graduate of UNC Wilmington, has the experience and work ethic "to elevate" the program.