Barden Resigns at Stephens County High School

Stephens County Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Frank Barden has resigned.

Barden has been Stephens County’s Head Football Coach and Athletic Director since 2014 returning to Toccoa where he was an assistant coach from 1986-94.

Barden tells WNEG that it was the right time to make the move. “I just felt like it is the right time for me and Stephens County. This has been one of the best four years I’ve had in 34 years of coaching and we have had awesome kids. I love them to death. I want them to succeed. I want them to get everything that they have worked for and want out of their athletics and personal life. It is awful fun to be a part of that and I am going to miss that. The best thing about Toccoa is those kids.”

Barden has coached for 34 years. Besides his time at Stephens County he coached two years at Pickens High School, and 18 seasons at Cartersville High School, where he won a Class AA state title in 1999 with an undefeated season.

In Barden’s first three years, Stephens County advanced to the State Playoffs, but did not make the playoffs in 2017 as the team finished 5-5.

Barden’s record at Stephens County High School over the four seasons was 29-15.

As a head coach, Barden has impressive career numbers just shy of 200 wins and a record of 189-87-1.

Barden took a moment to reflect on his coaching years. “34 years…It changed a lot over the years. I had two stints in Toccoa that were just absolutely awesome. It is a great community, great people.”

Barden is not sure what his next step will be “I don’t know right now. I know the good Lord takes care of you and puts you where he wants you. I’ll look for those doors to open and close.”

Stephens County High School Principal Scott Kersh tells WNEG News that he wishes Coach Barden well and knows that he will be missed by his players. Kersh says the process now is to form a committee to find the best candidate for the position to present to the Stephens County Schools Board of Commissioners. The goal is to have a candidate by February 1st.

Kersh said there are no plans to have an interim Athletic Director.