The upcoming high school football season in the region is set to feature a wave of fresh leadership, with six programs naming new head coaches.
Charles Fant, a former offensive coordinator on Boyd Buchanan’s state‑championship team of 2003, has been elevated to head coach, inheriting a program that boasts 36 victories and a 22‑game Division II‑AA East Region streak.
Fant’s coaching pedigree includes a seven‑year stint at Notre Dame High School where he compiled a 72‑23 record and mentored two future NFL Super Bowl champions, while also earning all‑state honors in baseball, basketball and football at Goshen High School in Ohio.
Gary Rankin, who guided the Bucs during the legendary Rankin era, will remain involved to ensure continuity as Fant steps into the top role.
The other new faces include Patrick Liner at East Hamilton, Zack Miller at Polk County, Tony Webb at Signal Mountain, Shane Cauthorn at Ridgeland, and Lee Bohannon, who serves as interim head coach at LaFayette.
Each of these coaches brings a distinct background, from playing experiences in multiple sports to extensive winning records, with the shared goal of preserving and building on their teams’ recent successes.
A Fresh Coaching Landscape
Local athletic directors say the appointments reflect a strategic push to sustain competitive balance within the TSSAA, especially as several programs look to extend their playoff runs.
The moves also underscore the region’s broader sports ecosystem, highlighted by partnerships with academic institutions such as Vanderbilt University, which continues to support youth athletics through its community outreach programs.
Fans can expect a blend of tradition and innovation as these coaches bring fresh strategies and energy to the field, promising an exciting season ahead.