Smyrna tabs Bud Brandon next girls hoops coach
SMYRNA – Bud Brandon didn't need to hear much about Smyrna High's girls basketball tradition when he applied to be its next head coach.
He had lived through a large portion of it from the other side of the bench.
Brandon, who coached Wilson Central to Class AAA girls basketball state championships in 2006 and 2008, was named the Lady Bulldogs coach on Thursday, replacing Shawn Middleton.
Brandon grew up watching his dad Campbell Brandon, then the Lebanon girls coach, lead his teams against former Smyrna coach Harry Gill Jr. during the 6-on-6 era. Years later, Bud Brandon coached against the Lady Bulldogs when both Smyrna and Wilson Central competed in District 9-AAA.
"They've had tradition for years here," Bud Brandon said. "They won a state title in 1961. They won it in '82. They've had some great players come through here.
"They've always had great community support. Even when I was at Wilson Central, this was a tough place to play. Only some communities really understand and have an appreciation and love for girls basketball. And Smyrna is one of those places."
Bud Brandon spent 13 seasons at Wilson Central, amassing a 302-115 record before resigning to enter politics. After failing to be elected the Wilson County Circuit Clerk, he spent last season as Trousdale County's boys coach. Trousdale went 6-22 during the 2014-15 season.
The younger Brandon made it clear in addressing his team what its goal would be next season and every season — to reach the state tournament.
Wilson Central reached six state tournaments during Brandon's tenure at the Lebanon school. He coached future SEC players Tierney Jenkins (Alabama) and Jasmine Hassell (Georgia). Hassell is now playing in the WNBA.
Bud Brandon cited the former Smyrna coaches that helped lay the foundation for what the program today. He recalled Billy "Pusher" Howell, who was the coach of the '61 championship team and Gill, who is now the Smyrna Town Manager.
"I was in junior high and high school watching my daddy coach against (Gill)," Brandon said. "I watched them become great friends through rivalry. They had one of the best rivalries in the state of Tennessee."
Smyrna went 22-8 this past season. The Lady Bulldogs and Riverdale were removed from the region tournament after they made national headlines for trying to tank the District 7-AAA consolation game.
Middleton was suspended as coach through the 2015-16 school year by Rutherford County Director of Schools Don Odom for his part in the tanking incident.
Smyrna principal Rick Powell said he received about 30 resumes for the vacancy. He originally told The DNJ that the position could be for one year. However, that was not the case with Brandon.
"He has a proven track record," Powell said of his new coach. "I knew a lot about him because we used to be in the same district as Wilson Central. I talked to a lot of people that have had dealings with him.
"He had just outstanding references. He's very passionate about girls basketball."
Contact Tom Kreager at 615-278-5168 or tkreager@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @Kreager.