Andy Bartsch takes over Cannon County high school football program for second time

Cannon County reached for a name from the past to fill its head football coaching vacancy.

Andy Bartsch, who most recently was an assistant at Smyrna, was named the Lions' coach on Monday. He replaces Matt Daniel, who resigned following the 2023 season.

Bartsch will begin teaching at CCHS in the fall but will lead the football team through spring practice and summer activities. He is inheriting a team that went 2-8 last season but reached the 3A playoffs the previous two years.

"Honestly, it's something that wasn't really even on my radar," said Bartsch, who didn't apply for the position when it first came open. He was connected with Cannon County administration just before the new year and interviewed last week.

"There are some athletes there and there's a hunger to compete. They've got some middle school kids that have had success. They just want the chance to have a bit of fun and score some points. I still have a lot of fond memories of there. Their home environment is as good as small school football is going to get."

Bartsch spent the 2008 season as head coach at Cannon County, guiding the team to a 4-6 record before going to Shelbyville, where he spent nine years as an assistant, including as the team's offensive coordinator.

"Coach Bartsch fulfilled the criteria we were looking for in a head coach," Cannon County athletic director Lydia Garrett said in a news release. "He has valuable experience at successful programs and I believe he will quickly build relationships with the players to provide a smooth transition."

"I was impressed with Coach Bartsch's extensive résumé, both on the field and in the classroom," Cannon County principal Courtney Nichols said in a release. "I am excited about the energy and enthusiasm he will bring to Cannon County High School Football and the whole community."

Bartsch, a 23-year coaching veteran, spent a year as an assistant at La Vergne in 2019 before going to Smyrna, where he spent the past four seasons. He was wide receivers coach for the Bulldogs in 2023.

"I want to express my gratitude to (Smyrna principal) Sherri Southerland and (Smyrna head coach) Matt Williams at Smyrna, where I have had the privilege of learning and growing as a coach," Bartsch said.