Less than two weeks after being announced as the new head coach of the Franklin County High School boys basketball program, Samuel Tarlton has backed out of the job.
Tarlton was named to the position on June 2 and was introduced to the public in a press conference on June 3. He had previously been the head boys basketball coach at North Greene High School since 2017, leading the program to a record of 107-36.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity at Franklin County,” Tarlton said at his introductory press conference. “Most people ask me why leave (North Greene) when you’ve had so much success. I’m up for a new challenge. I think it’s time to step outside of my comfort zone at a bigger level.”
FCHS Athletic Director Don Rhoton said he was not given a reason for the sudden departure, but the program will have to move on.
“I’m very disappointed, but we will go forward and find a better coach,” Rhoton said.
Rhoton confirmed that Zach Holt will be taking over the Rebels basketball team in Tarlton's place. Zach Holt is the son of the previous FCHS head boys basketball coach, Mike Holt.
The younger Holt has previously been an assistant boys basketball coach at Motlow State Community College from 2015-2018 and Tusculum University from 2018-2020.
During his time at Motlow, Zach Holt helped the Bucks to multiple appearances in the National Junior College Athletic Association national tournament, including trips to the bracket’s quarterfinals and Sweet 16.
Zach Holt helped Tusculum to 35 wins in his two years with the program with the boys basketball team reaching the semifinals of its conference tournament for the first time in 2020.
As a player, Zach Holt played at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2005 to 2009. He helped UWI to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2005 and 2006.
