Goodpasture basketball's Adam Sonn resigns as Dustin Patton steps in as new Cougars coach

Two months removed from guiding Goodpasture boys basketball to the Division II-A state championship, longtime Cougars coach Adam Sonn has resigned his position Wednesday, according to school principal Jeff Bixenman.

Sonn will become the school's director of advancement while former Goodpasture assistant, and current Nasvhille Christian girls basketball coach, Dustin Patton will take over the Goodpasture program.

"Coach Sonn will oversee marketing, admissions and alumni," Bixenman said. "I had met with about it and it was a new position I wanted to add to our school and felt that it was needed after going through a school assessment. I felt he would be the best candidate for it. And that's the decision that he and I came to the conclusion on."

In addition to Sonn, assistant coach, Reece Chamberlain, also stepped down. He is moving out of education to work with the director for the Stars Basketball Club. 

Bixenman said the transition from Sonn to Patton will be seamless. Patton spent eight years as Sonn's assistant before taking over at Nashville Christian in 2021. While at Goodpasture, Patton was the head junior varsity coach who compiled a 121-11 record.

At Nashville Christian, Patton guided the girls program to 27-6 record his first season (2021-22) before losing in the Division II-A state quarterfinals. This past season, the Eagles finished 33-4 and advancing to the state quarterfinals. Patton was 60-10 with the Eagles, including consecutive regular season and tournament District 4 titles.

"I hired Dustin many years ago," Bixenman said. "This was a no-brainer (hire). He's already coached these kids and he was extremely successful at Nashville Christian. We're thrilled to have him back and have Adam in this position as Adam transitions out of basketball."

Sonn took over at Goodpasture in 2012 and had seven Division II-A state tournament appearances. His 2021 team captured the DII-AA state title and he's won over 300 games at Goodpasture. He also coached Nashville Christian from 2008-12.

Sonn was a dominant player at Donelson Christian from 1994-98. As a three-year starter, he scored over 2,200 points and was named Mr. Basketball in 1998. He helped DCA reach the 1998 Class A state tournament and was a two-time all-state player.

Sonn played at Belmont under legendary coach Rick Byrd and was the ASUN Player of the Year and honorable mention All American in 2003.

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.