Hillwood football coach Tom Moore resigns ahead of Lawson High School opening

Hillwood football coach Tom Moore will not be the coach after Hillwood closes and the new James Lawson High School opens in August 2023.

Moore, a veteran who has coached in Middle Tennessee since the 1980s, resigned after spending four seasons at Hillwood. He was 10-28 with the Hilltoppers.

Moore will assist Lawson officials in the search for his replacement. Lawson, a $150 million school that will be located in Bellevue on a 273-acre campus on Highway 70S off Interstate 40, will compete in Class 5A.

“There is a real opportunity for the new school and football program to see amazing success," Moore said. "I have enjoyed my time at Hillwood as the head football coach and I am proud of the progress we’ve made, especially in the last year. I think it’s time for a new voice to lead the program at Lawson. Change will bring opportunity. I am excited to see our team take the next steps forward. We have some great kids in the program who are ready to win and are doing the things necessary to win.”

Moore replaced Kurt Page as the Hillwood coach after spending several seasons at Warren County. Moore is the son of Herschel Moore, who died in 2018 and coached high school and college football and was known for his Wing-T offense.

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Hillwood made four straight trips to the playoffs from 2015-18 and the 5A playoffs in 2020 despite a 3-2 regular-season record affected by COVID. The Hilltoppers were 2-8 this season.

“We are forever thankful for coach Moore’s investment into our football program and for his dedication to the character development of our young men,” Hillwood principal Stephen Sheaffer said. "I have always had great respect for Coach Moore and his tireless work ethic. He has moved our football program forward and we are extremely grateful for his impact. I wish him nothing but the best in whatever direction he decides to take in the future.”

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.