East Ridge High School didn’t have to look far to find a new leader for its football program. Chad Barger, who has been a Pioneers assistant the past three seasons, has been named the head coach.
Barger takes over for Tim James, who earlier this week stepped down to accept a position as the Hamilton County athletic director.
“I’m excited, it’s been a few years since I’ve been a head coach, so I’m ready to get going,” said Barger, who has been the team’s offensive coordinator since joining the staff and has been a head coach for 12 of his 23 years working at the high school level. “I stepped back from being a head coach for a few years to give me more time to watch my kids, but my daughters have graduated from high school now, so I can dedicate the time it takes to run a program.
“Coach James is East Ridge High School football, and I am forever grateful that he brought me here to work with the young men here. I hope to continue to build off the stability and foundation that Coach James established. We will continue to work to build a program that our school, community and county are proud to call their own.”
The Pioneers finished 6-5 each of Barger’s first two seasons as offensive coordinator, reaching the Class 4A playoffs both times, but injuries led to a disappointing 1-9 finish last fall.