After the departure of legendary head coach Frank Barden, Stephens County had about 50 apply for the position, and according to Stephens County, six were brought in to interview.

The winner was Wesley Tankersley — and the Stephens County Indians. Tankersley sports a career 65-44 record in 10 seasons. His previous stops include Gilmer County (2008-2014) and Ridgeland (2015-2017).

After an 0-10 2008 campaign at Gilmer, Tankersley brought the program to seven, eight, nine and eight wins in his last four seasons there. At Ridgeland he went 24-10, which included an 11-1 2017 season (a perfect 10-0 regular season).

In seven of his ten seasons as head coach, he’s gotten his team to the state playoffs, including three second round appearances and back-to-back region titles in 2016 and 2017 for Ridgeland.

Tankersley brings the winning pedigree to an historical program in Stephens County. One of his first orders of business will be replacing three-year starting quarterback Jackson Bell who graduates this spring.