Joyce: Riverdale, Blackman wouldn't have to look far for great coaching hires

In just the course of a week the head coaches of the two most successful area girls basketball programs this past season resigned, leaving huge voids to fill.

Last week Riverdale's Randy Coffman resigned to take a similar position at a private school in Morristown.

This week it was Blackman head coach Jessica Jackson who resigned, taking an assistant principal position across the street at Blackman Middle.

With key players returning and a loaded incoming freshman class, the Riverdale job is obviously one of the most coveted in the state, if not beyond.

But don't discount the potential the Blackman position has, with some of the area's top young talent, including incoming junior Joelle Patton and incoming sophomore Iyana Moore - who was ranked by ESPN as the No. 14 player in the nation (No. 3 point guard) in the 2021 class.

As I write this article, one or both schools may already have successors in mind to replace Coffman and Jackson.

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It's likely there are candidates from all over the state and out of the state for these two positions.

But here are six great fits in my mind - all with local ties..

Disclaimer: I do not know if any of these coaches have applied for either position or are even interested. Most currently have good coaching jobs in the area. This is simply a look at six coaches who I think would be great hires for the respective programs, if applicable.

Let's start with Riverdale:

Bud Brandon

Brandon stepped down from the Smyrna girls program following the 2018 season. To say the past season was a struggle (1-23 record) would be an understatement. But this is a veteran coach who has been around the midstate for a long time and has two state championship trophies (both at Wilson Central) to show for it. He is obviously familiar with 7-AAA and also with what it takes to win a state title.

Hillary Hodges

Hodges already has a state title at Riverdale under her belt. She could have had more but moved out of state following the 2010 state title, as her husband was hired at Morehead State at the time. She's back in town and is actually currently an assistant girls coach at MTCS. Riverdale went 91-10 during her three years (2008-10) with the program.

Krystle Horton

Horton has a lot going for her, including being a former Riverdale (and MTSU) standout and having been on staff for all of the past three state championships. She knows the players and what drives them. That's a big plus. The only drawback is her lack of head coaching experience.

Lindy King

This is a stretch, considering the success she's already established at Stewarts Creek. All indication is that King loves it at the Creek, and she has proven she can win there, not only in 7-AAA but also at the state level. She has a state title under her belt as well. She's won with a lot less talent than is currently at Riverdale.

Now for Blackman. Consider any of the aforementioned, particularly Brandon, and the following two:

Shelby Campbell

The former Lady Blaze standout is already an assistant on staff. She is a talented up-and-comer in the coaching ranks, and the biggest question now would be if she's ready for a head coaching gig.

Dawn Barger

Barger was an assistant under Jackson with the Lady Blaze and she's already proven herself as a head coach, taking over the boys program at Stewarts Creek this past season and having more success than many probably expected. She's a great basketball mind and a good motivator. It's not often you could land someone with success coaching both girls and boys.