Thank you, Coach Gaddis

Carmen Roberts, Oakridger
·1 min read

Legendary Oak Ridge High School football coach Joe Gaddis has decided to retire after the 2021 season. He has led the Wildcats to two state championships, one in 1991 and one in 2018, and holds a record of 196 wins and 58 losses at Oak Ridge. This makes him the winningest coach in Oak Ridge history and the 8th winningest coach in Tennessee.

Gaddis has an overall record of 334 wins and 146 losses, which makes him one of only three active coaches to have 300 wins in the state of Tennessee.

"I'm just proud that in some small way, I was able to continue the great tradition of Oak Ridge football," Gaddis said. "Oak Ridge for the last 75 years to me is in a class by itself. There's no place like Blankenship Field. There's not a better atmosphere. There's not a better tradition in Tennessee than Oak Ridge football."

ORHS Principal Garfield Adams stated in a news release, "We will miss our beloved coach. We are grateful for his leadership and commitment of our community and the Oak Ridge High School football program. Thank you, Coach Joe Gaddis, for many years of dedication to our young men that you have mentored and have been a role model for."

Oak Ridge's head coach Joe Gaddis before the game against Clinton at Clinton High School in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, September 25, 2020.
Oak Ridge's head coach Joe Gaddis before the game against Clinton at Clinton High School in Clinton, Tenn. on Friday, September 25, 2020.
Oak Ridge Football Coach Joe Gaddis and his two-year-old bulldog Max at his home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. At the time the photo was taken, Gaddis had six bulldogs of all different ages which he has raised since they were small pups.
Oak Ridge Football Coach Joe Gaddis and his two-year-old bulldog Max at his home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on Tuesday, October 3, 2017. At the time the photo was taken, Gaddis had six bulldogs of all different ages which he has raised since they were small pups.
Oak Ridge's head coach Joe Gaddis smiles after ending a huddle after the teams win in the Oak Ridge and Campbell County high school football game at Oak Ridge High School's stadium in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Friday, Sep. 4, 2020.
Oak Ridge's head coach Joe Gaddis smiles after ending a huddle after the teams win in the Oak Ridge and Campbell County high school football game at Oak Ridge High School's stadium in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Friday, Sep. 4, 2020.
Oak Ridge’s head coach Joe Gaddis speaks to the team after their win against South-Doyle in the TSSAA class 5A semifinal high school football game at the Blankenship Field in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.
Oak Ridge’s head coach Joe Gaddis speaks to the team after their win against South-Doyle in the TSSAA class 5A semifinal high school football game at the Blankenship Field in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Legendary Oak Ridge football coach Joe Gaddis announces his retirement