College Feature
Andy and Chris Brandi Take the Reins at LSU
by Rhiannon Potkey, 18 June 2017
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Andy Brandi has accomplished just about everything there is to accomplish as a college tennis coach. He has the national titles, the Hall of Fame credentials and the historical winning percentage.
LSU Head Coaches Andy and Chris Brandi
courtesy, Brandi Family
But there was one thing still missing. It was something he talked at length about with his son, Chris, when they discussed a potential return to college tennis.
"I told him the only way I would do it is to have him by my side," Andy said.
Andy's Father's Day present came a few days early this year. On Wednesday, Andy and Chris Brandi were named co-head coaches of the LSU men's tennis program.
The unique collaboration provides Chris with his first college head coaching opportunity and Andy with a chance to remain a daily mentor to his only child.
"This really fell in our lap and we pursued it really hard," Chris said. "Sometimes things are kind of meant to be, and this is one of them."
The Brandis are replacing Jeff Brown, who resigned at LSU in May after 20 years at the helm.
The Tigers are coming off a 10-17 season, including 3-9 in the SEC. LSU hasn't finished above .500 in regular-season conference play since 2008.
In taking over at LSU, the Brandis are returning to familiar territory in the SEC.
As the women's head coach at Florida from 1985-2001, Andy led the Gators to three NCAA titles and six national team indoor championships.
Andy posted a 460-63 overall record in his 17 years as head coach and Florida won 14 SEC titles. His overall winning percentage of 91.5 percent ranks as the highest for any coach in women's college tennis history with at least five years of experience.
Three of his teams had undefeated runs through the season, and three others only lost one match. The program had a 114-match regular-season winning streak and overall winning streaks of 62 and 53 matches.
