Blackman's Chad Hibdon resigns to take college position

MURFREESBORO -- Chad Hibdon built Blackman High into a girls basketball state and national powerhouse.

He will begin the process of another rebuilding project next season, but at the college level.

Hibdon, who guided the Lady Blaze to the past two TSSAA Class AAA state championships, resigned on Friday and accepted the head coaching position at Truett-McConnell College.

The NAIA school located in Cleveland, Georgia. The program went 6-22 this past season.

"I've been through that process," said Hibdon regarding building a program. "I understand the pros and cons of that and the time commitment that it takes.

"I also know the joys of it too. It takes hard work and dedication."

Hibdon spent 10 seasons at Blackman High, going 199-98. His teams were 66-3 over the past two years. The Lady Blaze have had six straight seasons of winning 20 or more games, amassing a 159-29 record during that span.

That success came after winning a combined 10 games his first two seasons.

Blackman principal Leisa Justus said Hibdon's departure will be tough for the school in both the athletic field and in the class room.

"Coach Hibdon is an exemplar of the type of teacher you want around a school," Justus said in an email. "He has integrity, grace, enthusiasm, and — most of all — humility. His influence goes way beyond the basketball court. In fact, because of the success of the basketball program, he has been able to influence many kids who are fans.

"He is a Christian man, and this opportunity is a "calling" for him and his family. I wish them the very best; but, honestly, I'm sad for our kids and community here at Blackman."

Justus said the school will begin the hiring process "once this sinks in."

Blackman graduated four seniors — Angel Allen (Western Carolina), MeMe Jackson (Tennessee), Alex Johnson (MTSU) and KK Williams (Georgia State) — that have signed with Division I programs off this past season's team.

The Lady Blaze return two starters in point guard Crystal Dangerfield, a Connecticut commitment and two-time Tennessee Gatorade player of the year, and forward Jazz Bond, who has received several college offers.

Hibdon said he felt led to go to the NAIA school. He said he was not actively seeking a new position. He said he was intrigued by the position because his responsibilities included discipling his team and having them go into the mission field.

"This is an opportunity to serve the Lord," Hibdon said. "I want my family to be in that environment. This job came down to the thing that I love — honoring God, serving God and doing it with my family and coaching basketball. And I liked the challenge of becoming a college coach."

Hibdon was the Naismith All-USA national girls basketball coach of the year in 2014 after his program was named national champions by USA TODAY, MaxPreps and ESPN. Hibdon is one of five finalists for the Naismith award again this year.

Hibdon, who grew up in Lascassas, is a graduate from Riverdale and MTSU.

Hibdon thanked former principal Gail Vick and assistant principal John Strickland as well as the Blackman faculty for their support through the years. He also thanked Justus for her support in everything the program has accomplished

"Whoever is the next Blackman coach will have a great opportunity under Dr. Justus with the support she provides," he said. "And most important, I need to thank the players that believed in our process, our journey and our vision."

Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.