Hill steps down at Church Hill

CHURCH HILL — Church Hill Middle School is searching for an interim head football coach following the resignation this week of Bryant Hill.

Hill, a former assistant who took over as the Panthers’ head football coach in March, has resigned to accept a teaching position at West Ridge High School in Sullivan County. He'll also serve on the football staff for the Wolves.

“It was definitely a tough decision to make, but I’ve wanted to move up to the high school level for a while and felt this was the best decision for me,” Hill said.

Hill is a Church Hill native who played at and graduated from Volunteer High School. He spent three years as an assistant coach/offensive coordinator under former CHMS head coach Jeremy Jones before being named his successor in March. Jones is currently serving on the Volunteer High School football staff as an assistant coach.

Hill planned to meet with the team to break the news on Monday, as middle school practices for the 2024 season officially get started around the region. Current assistant coaches will step in and run practices until an interim head coach is named.

“I will miss CHMS and the team. The football team is loaded with talent, and I truly believe Church Hill will do amazing this season. I look forward to seeing how they perform,” Hill said.

Hill’s departure will leave multiple holes to fill, as he also served as a classroom teacher at the middle school and as the Panthers’ head baseball coach.

“In order to pursue my dream of teaching and coaching at the high school level, I have taken a position in Sullivan County Schools at West Ridge High School. Although I will miss my students, players and friends at CHMS, I am excited about this opportunity,” Hill said.

The position of interim head football coach for CHMS was posted on the Hawkins County Schools website on Thursday, July 11. The school system has numerous coaching vacancies posted, including two others (head girls basketball coach and head boys soccer coach) at CHMS.