In a move which surprised many Bryan County boys’ basketball fans, head coach Brent Anderson announced his resignation last Friday. Anderson is leaving to become the athletic director at William James Middle School in Statesboro where his wife teaches and his three children attend.
“This is strictly a family move,” Anderson said. “This was not a matter of me applying for another coaching job because I had a great job. I may return to coaching in the future but right now this is all about watching my kids grow up.
“I thought a lot about it over spring break and met with Russ [Principal Winters] and Blaine [athletic director Ennis] Friday and informed them I would be leaving,” Anderson said. “This was a difficult decision because Russ has such a great vision for the school and we’ve got great kids in the program.
“I met with the kids on Friday and that was hard. Our program is based on family and faith and when I explained the reasons behind my decision they understood.”
Anderson has been at Bryan County for seven years and the last three have seen it advance to the state playoffs for only the second time in school history.
The Redskins were 17-11 this past season finishing third in the region behind Savannah High and Woodville-Tompkins who were both ranked in the state’s top 10. Anderson’s best season was three years ago when Bryan County was 20-7.
The cupboard will not be bare for the new coach as Bryan County will return a solid core of players headed by rising senior Elijah Mincey who is on his way to becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer.
Mike Smith, Chris Winfree and Gerbrae’vion Collins head a solid group of underclassmen on the past season’s roster including Cayden Rawls, E’Savian Rivera, Jayden Odum, Darius Edwards and Cooper Ennis.
Anderson, who previously led teams at Screven County and Dodge County to the state playoffs, undertook a rebuilding job when he was hired and endured a winless season in 2020 but he stayed the course. His patience and even-handed approach has paid dividends the last three years and put the program in position for continued success.
“This was my decision, I’m leaving on my terms,” Anderson said. “It’s a good job, a better job than when I took over. I told Russ and Blaine, I will help them anyway I can in hiring the new guy.
“Bryan County is a special place and it’s going to take a special person to coach these kids.”
The school has already posted the job on its Facebook page in which it said applications will be accepted starting April 13 and through August 20. Ideally, of course, a coach will be hired long before Aug. 20.
In addition to having a bachelor’s degree or higher and a Georgia teaching certificate the posting said a minimum of three years successful coaching experience as a head basketball coach or as an assistant basketball coach is required.
Those interested in applying for the job should submit a cover letter and resume to either principal Russ Winter (rwinter@bryan.k12.ga.us) or assistant principal and athletic director Blaine Ennis (bennis@bryan.k12.ga.us). Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.