Bryan leaving Ooltewah for North Carolina job
Mac Bryan resigned as head football coach at Ooltewah High School on Monday morning after five years with the program.
Bryan will return to North Carolina, where his career began and where his mother and other family still live. He will be the head football coach and county athletic director at Avery County
High in Newland, which is near
Boone.
“This is a chance to go back home and be closer to my mama, and my wife’s dad,” Bryan said. “I’m going to miss Ooltewah High School and the community because this has been a great experience for me and my family and we have a lot of good relationships here.
“But the program was successful before me and it will continue to be successful after me. We had tremendous numbers in the program here, as well as support from the community, and I’m really proud of how strong the program has been and especially for the young men who played for us and have gotten a chance to go on to the next level.”
Bryan compiled a 45-16 overall record during his five seasons with the Owls, which included him calling offensive plays. Ooltewah reached the state playoffs each year under Bryan, including two quarterfinal appearances, and last season was the only time during his tenure the Owls failed to win at least nine games.
“We are very appreciative of the work Coach Bryan has put into our football program. He has had great success here and we wish him well,” said school athletic director Brad Jackson.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.