Abe Tizaf Stepping Down as Head Men's Soccer Coach
Brock Evans has announced Abe Tizaf will be stepping down as Head Men's Soccer Coach
January 29, 2026
KNOXVILLE – Head men's soccer coach Abe Tizaf has announced he will be stepping down from his position and will be moving on to an NJCAA Division I coaching opportunity.
Tizaf leaves the Panthers after 2 seasons with a 26-6- 2 record overall, and a 9-2-1 record in conference play. His team has earned bids to the NJCAA Division II Tournament in his two seasons and won back-to-back region championships.
Athletic Director Brock Evans will lead the search for a new head men's soccer coach starting immediately. Women's Soccer coach Mariana Diaz will serve as interim head coach.
"We want to thank Abe Tizaf for the leadership and commitment he brought to our men's soccer program. Abe did an outstanding job representing our department and our institution, and he cared deeply about the growth of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. His time here was highlighted by two Region and District championships and back-to-back appearances at the NJCAA national tournament. Abe has accepted a men's soccer coaching position at the NJCAA Division I level. This next step speaks to the work he put in and the reputation he has built within the college soccer community," Evans said.
He continued,
Tizaf leaves the Panthers after 2 seasons with a 26-6- 2 record overall, and a 9-2-1 record in conference play. His team has earned bids to the NJCAA Division II Tournament in his two seasons and won back-to-back region championships.
Athletic Director Brock Evans will lead the search for a new head men's soccer coach starting immediately. Women's Soccer coach Mariana Diaz will serve as interim head coach.
"We want to thank Abe Tizaf for the leadership and commitment he brought to our men's soccer program. Abe did an outstanding job representing our department and our institution, and he cared deeply about the growth of our student-athletes, both on and off the field. His time here was highlighted by two Region and District championships and back-to-back appearances at the NJCAA national tournament. Abe has accepted a men's soccer coaching position at the NJCAA Division I level. This next step speaks to the work he put in and the reputation he has built within the college soccer community," Evans said.
He continued,
"While we will miss having Abe with our program, we are proud of him and fully support this opportunity. We wish Abe and his family nothing but the best as they move forward.
As we begin the search for our next head men's soccer coach, we are confident in the direction of our program and excited about what's ahead. We are focused on finding the right person to continue building a competitive and successful national brand in NJCAA soccer."
Coach Tizaf's Records:
2024: 12-2-2 (4-1-1 GCAA)
2025: 14-4 (5-1 GCAA)
Overall: 26-6-2 Conference: 9-2-1