Former Siegel coach Chris Harris named Rutherford County Athletic Director

Athletics within Rutherford County Schools will have a new look going forward, and a former Siegel coach will pioneer the position.

Former Stars boys basketball coach Chris Harris was named as the first full-time Rutherford County Athletic Director on Monday.

“He’s a great man of high character,” Rutherford County Schools Director Bill Spurlock said in a press release. “We’re excited to have him in this new expanded role working with principals, school athletic directors and coaches to further enhance our athletic programs and the benefits they provide for students.”

Harris replaces Tim Tackett, who served as a part-time athletic director for the district since 2013.

In the expanded role, the athletic director will work with middle schools and high schools to coordinate athletics and help brand county programs.

Harris plans to be visible at games for “all sports,” not just those that are revenue-producing, he said.

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“(It’s important) they know that there’s a connection to the Central Office, there’s a connection with the AD, that parents know they have someone who is interested in what’s going on with their student-athletes and that coaches know they have someone who cares about their programs,” Harris said.

Harris has been an educator and involved in high school athletics for more than 30 years.

The Knoxville native was the starting center on the Holston High team that won a TSSAA state basketball championship in 1978 before moving on to play at Middle Tennessee State University.

He started at center  for the Blue Raiders on the memorable team that upset Kentucky 50-44 in 1982 during the NCAA Tournament.

He served as an assistant basketball coach at Gallatin, Smyrna and Riverdale before serving as head coach at Holloway for a year before being named the head coach at Siegel High School, where he went 113-55 in five years before resigning in 2008.

He led Siegel to three Class AAA state tournament appearances.

“I still have something I can share with the knowledge I’ve gained over the years as a player and as a coach,” Harris said. “I still have something to give.”