Cannon County Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Ray (Bud) Brandon III as Part-Time Wellness Teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach at Cannon County High School beginning with the 2020-2021 School Year. A Press Conference was held on Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 – 1:00 PM at the Cannon County High School Gymnasium to announce his hire as CCHS Girls Basketball Head Coach.
Bud Brandon graduated from Lebanon High School in 1979 and is a 1984 Graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. Born in Murfreesboro and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, he is a third generation educator and the son of legendary Hall of Fame Coach Campbell Brandon, who passed away a little over a year ago. He is married to his wife Bonita and raising two granddaughters.
Mr. Brandon has coached basketball all his career as an educator. He has been a coach and educator at various schools including stops at Carroll-Oakland Elementary, Mt. Juliet Junior High, and Walter J. Baird Middle School. He coached 13 seasons at Wilson Central, amassing a 302-115 record and leading the Lady Wildcats to Class AAA state championships in 2006 and 2008. He spent the 2014-15 season as Trousdale County’s boys coach, then went to Smyrna High School to take over the Lady Bulldog program in 2015, guiding Smyrna to a 29-48 record. His best season was 2016-17 when the team went 17-11 and reached the Region 4-AAA quarterfinals. Brandon received the 2007 Wilson County “Great Commission Coach” from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and during his tenure at Wilson Central High School was named “Coach of the Year” three times by the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee.
CCHS Principal Courtney Nichols recommended him to Director of Schools William F. Curtis, and Mr. Curtis accepted his recommendation. Coach Brandon met with CCHS Girls Basketball Players on Wednesday, May 27th, 2019, will be conducting Girls Basketball Tryouts on Thursday, June 4th, 2020 for Freshman/Sophomores and Friday, June 5th, 2020 for Juniors/Seniors, and will be meeting with Girls Basketball Parents and Boosters soon afterward.
Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “After talking with Mr. Brandon in-depth regarding our program, I knew he would be a great fit. His experience plus his knowledge and skill set is exactly what our program needs. He also brings a profound sense of excitement to our Girls Basketball Program, and know he will push our girls to the limit to be successful.”
Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “I am extremely impressed with Mr. Bud Brandon’s experience as an outstanding educator and basketball coach. He was well recommended from numerous individuals and educators including MTSU Girls Head Coach Rick Insell. His experienced coaching abilities will exemplify Cannon School’s MISSION – ‘Preparing All Students for Their Future’ in our Girls Basketball Program and the School System’s VISION – ‘New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day’ on and off the basketball court. I sincerely believe his character and commitment will bring a spirit excellence and excitement to our Girls Basketball Team and Program. ”
Cannon County Schools welcomes Mr. Bud Brandon as CCHS Girls Head Basketball Coach and looks forward to excellence, both in the classroom and in athletics, at Cannon County High School!