Former Nashville star Brad Chesshir new head football coach at Murfreesboro
By Kyle Sutherland
The South Pike County School District met Thursday and announced later in the evening that former De Queen head football coach Brad Chesshir has been named head football coach and athletic director at Murfreesboro High School.
“First and foremost, I have to recognize and say thank you to the De Queen Leopard family and school district,” Chesshir said. “From superintendent Jason Sanders, assistant superintendent Paul Shelton, and athletic director Lance Pinkerton ... I cannot say enough about those three for helping me grow not only as a person, but as a leader. I have nothing but respect for them and the De Queen community. Two years ago, they welcomed me and my family with open arms. I had a great group of kids whom I will miss dearly, and they did exactly what we asked them to do.”
The former Nashville star linebacker spent the past two seasons as head coach at De Queen after previously serving as defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach at both Jonesboro along with his alma mater before joining the Golden Hurricane staff. Chesshir had a tough go at De Queen, compiling a 1-18 record, but he did help instill some confidence in the program, helping the Leopards snap a 28-game losing streak in a 14-7 victory over Fouke in Week 3.
“Growing up in Nashville, you are only 15 minutes from Murfreesboro and you know the people, along with the tradition of Murfreesboro athletics in general,” Chesshir said. “I have family in Murfreesboro, my mom was raised there and graduated a Rattler. This was just an opportunity that I could not pass up to come join the Rattler family.”
Chesshir takes over for Marc McRae, a Murfreesboro alum who stepped down in February after five seasons to accept another position within the district. He has remained the head baseball coach for the Rattlers.
“There is a rich tradition that comes along with this football program — I was fully aware of that and wanted every part of it,” Chesshir said. “I wanted the opportunity to come be with those kids and be involved with that long-standing tradition that has been there and that excites me. I look forward to meeting those kids, building a relationship with them and getting them to believe in me and who I am and what I am about. I am also excited to get out and build a relationship with the community because that is what it is all about, coming together as a small community and taking our football program to the level.”
Murfreesboro is coming off a 3-8 season and has made the playoffs twice since 2016, when it last won a game in the postseason. The Rattlers will compete in the 2A-3 with Dierks, Foreman, Lafayette County, Mineral Springs, Mount Ida and Poyen for the 2022-24 conference cycle.
