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Dobyns-Bennett High School names Joey Christian head football coach

The Kingsport powerhouse hands over the reins to the longtime D-B assistant coach.

Dobyns-Bennett High School has named Joey Christian as head football coach. A native of northeast Tennessee, Christian has previously served as an assistant coach at Dobyns-Bennett since 2003. Christian inherits the program from Graham Clark, who is retiring from D-B at the conclusion of the 2017-18 school year.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my tenure on the Dobyns-Bennett football staff by assuming the role of Head Coach,” said Christian. “More than anyone, I understand what a privilege it is to be a part of the winningest high school football program in Tennessee. The passion I am bringing to this new role is unmatched, and I look forward to working with our players, coaches, and the entire Kingsport community to continue our tradition of excellence.”

In his fifteen seasons on the D-B coaching staff, Coach Christian has played an integral role in program and player development as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. During his tenure, the D-B program has compiled 132 victories and nine conference championships, along with 15 playoff appearances.

“After completing a widespread search that included multiple high-caliber candidates, we are thrilled to have Coach Christian lead the next chapter in the long and storied history of Dobyns-Bennett Football,” remarked KCS Athletic Director Larry Shively. “Coach Christian has established himself as a key figure in the development of our football program, understanding both the heritage of D-B football and the vision necessary for future success. We look forward to him continuing to guide our team as the head of the Tribe.”

“I am very excited and proud of the hiring of Coach Christian as the next head football coach at Dobyns-Bennett,” commented former D-B standout and current member of the Miami Dolphins Daniel Kilgore. “For 15-plus years, Joey has helped groom young men to be successful both on the field and off. I know this to be true as a Coach Christian product and now entering my 8th season in the National Football League. I am even more excited to see what Coach does within the Kingsport community and how he will support the feeder programs that develop future Indian football players.”

Coach Christian will be introduced to the media and Kingsport community on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at 4 p.m. The press conference will take place in the Nancy Pridemore Theater on the Campus of Dobyns-Bennett High School (One Tribe Way).

“We are pleased to announce Coach Christian as our head football coach and are confident he will give 110% in service to Dobyns-Bennett,” commented D-B Principal Dr. Chris Hampton. “Coach Christian brings a deep level of knowledge, energy, and excitement to his new role as head coach that will stretch far beyond the sidelines of J. Fred Johnson Stadium.”

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