farragutpress

Era ends for ‘excellent coach, better man’

44 years at FHS, 28 as Admirals skipper, Courtney retires

March 13, 2024 by

With Farragut High School brass calling a press conference in the FHS football program’s meeting room Wednesday afternoon, March 6, longtime Admirals varsity football head coach Eddie Courtney announced his retirement from coaching. In 44 seasons as a football coach at the school, which dates back to 1978, and serving as Admirals skipper for the past 28 years, Courtney led his 2016 team to the TSSAA Division I-5A state title while being named to the Tennessee Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2021. He also earned Region Coach of the Year honors four times while compiling 204 career wins, fifth most among active head coaches in 2023.

Known by many TSSAA coaching colleagues as an “excellent coach but a better man,” earning special awards after twice beating cancer, Courtney, at the podium above, made the announcement while receiving career praise from Dr. John Bartlett, seated right, FHS principal, and Donald Dodgen, left, athletic director. Such comments will be part of a bigger salute to Courtney, from farragutpress, with an upcoming special section this Spring.

Photo by Alan Sloan