HIGH SCHOOL

Derek Witt promoted as Carter football coach

Chris Thomas
USA TODAY Network - Tennessee

Carter High School promoted alumnus Derek Witt as its football coach on Wednesday.

Witt, a 1994 graduate of the school, served as an assistant the past two seasons under Jeff McMillan, who retired in December. His most recent head coaching job was at Karns from 2010-12.

"It's just something, I guess you could say has been on my heart because it's my alma mater," Witt, 40, told the News Sentinel on Thursday. "It was a no-brainer for me if that was the direction the administration wanted to go in.

"They started the process whenever coach McMillan retired. We went through several interviews, about an 8-week process. I was named (Wednesday)."

Witt finished 10-21 at Karns, but led the Beavers in 2011 to their only playoff appearance since 2004. He inherits a Carter roster that was young, but talented last season. The Hornets finished 3-8, but nearly upset Class 4A state runner-up Central in the first half of the season.

"Our quarterback's coming back, and we've got our whole offensive line back," said Witt. "And we've got some guys that I think will step up for the seniors we're losing."

Joining Witt's staff at Carter are West offensive coordinator Scott Branton, Carson-Newman graduate assistant Ryan Roach and former Claiborne assistant Nick Nash.

Contact Chris Thomas at chris.thomas@knoxnews.com. Follow him at twitter.com/christhomaskns