Former Memphis Assistant Tabbed To Guide Women's Basketball Program

Blair Savage-Lansden

Former University of Memphis women's basketball assistant coach Blair Savage-Lansden has been named as the new head coach of the Tiger program as announced at a press conference in the Athletic Office Building.

Lansden replaces Joye Lee-McNelis who resigned to take over the program at Southern Mississippi. Lansden served as an assistant to McNelis for nine years. She left the staff following the 2002-03 season when her husband, Bill, accepted the position of associate athletic director at Middle Tennessee.

In 2003-04, Lansden served as an assistant coach at Belmont University, and helped lead the Bruins to an Atlantic Sun regular season title. The Bruins finished the season with a 16-12 overall record; 14-6 in the A-Sun.

"I am excited that Blair Lansden has accepted the position of head basketball coach for our Lady Tiger program," said Athletic Director R.C. Johnson. "She was highly involved in every aspect of Lady Tiger Basketball as a member of the previous staff, and has gained invaluable experience over her 10 years as an assistant coach.

"I feel confident that we have hired one of the dynamic young coaches in women's college basketball, and I am certain that we will see even greater successes for our program under Coach Lansden's direction," added Johnson.

Lansden signed a four-year contract with a base salary of $100,000. The contract also includes bonus clauses for academic and athletic successes.

While at Memphis, Lansden served as recruiting coordinator and handled the on-the-floor coaching duties of the guards. She was the liaison of the mentoring program and the "Tracking the Lady Tigers" program. She also monitored the academic status of the student-athletes, as well as scouting.

A native of Gravette, Ark., Lansden's stint at the U of M began during the 1994-95 season when she joined the staff as the Tigers' restricted earnings coach. She served in that capacity for two seasons, before being named a full-time assistant in 1996-97. Lansden completed her master's degree at The University of Memphis in sports administration in 1996.

"I am absolutely elated to be back at the University of Memphis," said Lansden. "I have learned a lot over the years as an assistant, and I am truly grateful that R.C. Johnson and Lynn Parkes are presenting me this opportunity."

Before arriving on the University of Memphis campus, Lansden was a standout on the hardwood for the University of Arkansas. She finished her career in Fayetteville as the Lady Razorbacks' 10th all-time leading scorer with 1,072 points scored. She currently ranks 20th all-time in points scored, 3rd all-time in rebounds (771) and 13th in assists. In 2000-01, she was named to Arkansas' Lady Razorback Silver Anniversary team.

In 1993, Lansden was selected as the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Arkansas, and also received the NCAA/Entergy Winning for Life postgraduate scholarship. She earned her degree in secondary education mathematics from the University of Arkansas in 1994, while serving as a student assistant coach with the Lady Razorbacks.