Independence football fires Scott Stidham after three seasons

Posted by Admin November 12, 2024 Football

Independence has fired its football coach Scott Stidham after three seasons, Stidham confirmed to The Tennessean on Monday.

Stidham was informed about the decision Monday morning by Independence principal Niki Patton, he said. Independence was eliminated by Stewarts Creek, 20-14, in the TSSAA football playoffs last week.

Stidham went 13-20 in three seasons after being hired in 2021. That included three playoff berths.

“I didn’t ask a reason (why) and wasn’t really given one. But we needed to win more games and unfortunately we didn’t, because that fixes a lot,” Stidham said. “I loved coaching this group of kids and with these coaches.”

Independence defeated Summit 30-12 in the final week of the regular season to qualify for the state playoffs.

Stidham was hired to replace Scott Blade, who led the Eagles to the Class 5A state championship in 2015. Stidham had previously been at South Gibson, where he went 79-41 and led the Hornets to the playoffs nine times in 13 seasons. That included region championships in 2012 and 2019.

Patton confirmed Stidham would not return as Independence’s head coach in a release.

“Coach Stidham has been an invaluable part of our school community, and I hold deep respect and admiration for the work he has done during his time here,” Patton said in a statement released through Williamson County district athletic director Darrin Joines. “He has not only dedicated himself to the success of our football program, but has also served as a role model for our student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of character, discipline, and teamwork.

“I want to personally thank Coach Stidham for his dedication, integrity, and the countless hours he has devoted to our school and our students. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.”

Reach sports writer Tyler Palmateer at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, formerly Twitter, @tpalmateer83.