Craig Clayton returning to coach at Hopkinsville

It didn’t take long for Craig Clayton to return to the sidelines.

However, the Kentucky and Tennessee high school coaching veteran — who resigned from Hillsboro in late January — will be doing so in his home state.

“There was nothing planned, it just kind of came up,” said Clayton, who has been hired at Hopkinsville (Ky.) High School, where he previously coached for 19 seasons (1986-2004).

► Related: Maurice Fitzgerald hired as Hillsboro football coach

“I got some calls after the job came open, and I think it’s going to be a good situation,” added Clayton, who compiled a 108-43 record during his 12 seasons in Tennessee. “The principal and athletic director used to play for me, and for the first time, I’ll be able to bring in the staff that I want.”

Clayton, the winningest coach in Hopkinsville history, posted a 149-86 (.634) record during his previous stint with the Tigers, tallying seven semifinal appearances and a pair of runner-up finishes in 19 seasons.

“It’s not as tough of a path as when I was there before, when we just had four classes,” said Clayton. “We’ve got a real good quarterback (Jalen Johnson) who has offers in football and basketball, and I think we have a real good shot to get to the state championship.”

In five seasons at Hillsboro (2012-16), Clayton, a Caldwell County (Ky.) graduate, led the Metro Nashville school to a 43-21 record with a pair of state quarterfinal appearances and a Class 5A runner-up finish in 2014.

While at Franklin, Clayton compiled a 65-22 record in seven seasons at the Williamson County school. He led the Rebels to three state quarterfinal appearances, along with a Class 6A runner-up finish in 2008.

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com, 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.