Independence hires former South Gibson coach Scott Stidham as new football coach

Independence hired former South Gibson coach Scott Stidham as its new coach, the school announced Wednesday. 

Stidham replaces Scott Blade, who resigned in November after nine seasons. 

"Our family is so blessed and excited for the opportunity to lead the Independence Football Program," Stidham said in a school release. "I'd like to thank Dr. (Niki) Patton and the committee for selecting me for this tremendous honor. We can't wait to work and continue to build the winning tradition at Indy."

Blade led the Eagles to the playoffs in each of his nine seasons and won the 2015 Class 5A championship. Independence finished 4-7 in 2021 and lost in the first round of the postseason to Collierville.

Stidham had been the coach at South Gibson since being hired as one of the school’s first employees in February of 2009.

"We are so excited to welcome Coach Scott Stidham and his family to Indy Nation," Patton said. "The opening generated lots of interest from some very impressive candidates, but Coach Stidham clearly stood out based on what we were looking for as a leader in our school and as the coach of our football program.  

"Having both started a program, and maintaining a winning record, I know he will continue to succeed at Independence with our athletes."

Stidham began his coaching career as graduate assistant at his alma mater UT Martin in 1994 before moving to Kansas for 12 years where he coached football and track.

He returned to West Tennessee in 2006 and had assistant coaching jobs at Liberty and Crockett County before starting South Gibson's program.

In 13 seasons, Stidham led the Hornets to the playoffs nine times compiling a record of 79-41 with a pair of region championships in 2012 and 2019.

South Gibson went 9-4  in 2021 and made it to the Class 4A quarterfinals the last two seasons.

Stidham is also the second hire from South Gibson that Independence made this year. The Eagles hired Mark Wilkins as its boys basketball coach in March.

Reach Joe Spears at jspears2@gannett.com or 731-343-4923. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joe_spears7.