First Baptist Academy. (Photo by Danny Parker)
First Baptist Academy in Powell has hired longtime Fulton basketball assistant coach Jonathan Cox to coach its boys’ basketball program.
Cox, a 2000 Anderson County alumnus, has assisted Jody Wright at Fulton the last 13 seasons — helping the Falcons win Class AA state titles in 2008, 2009 and 2016, as well as runner-up finishes in 2015, 2018 and 2019.
“I’ve said before that Jonathan could finish my sentences for me. He’s been around for so long,” said Wright. “When you got a guy who’s been around your program and has really bought in to what your program is about, it’s hard to lose them.
“You’re always happy to seem them move up the ladder. We’re excited for him. It’s a change, because good assistant coaches do a good job of wearing the white hat and being the good guy. And Jonathan did that as good as anybody.”
Cox replaces Kevin Tucker. The Eagles, who compete in Division II, went 10-14 in his Tucker’s one season at the helm.
Cox also coached Farragut golf from 2010-2016, leading the Admirals to a state title in 2014 and runner-up finishes in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
Wright said FBA will be getting “a guy who’s used to winning.”
“He knows the standard and will do a great job of establishing a standard of excellence over there and hold those guys accountable to that,” said Wright. “He’s a great in-game coach. He knows the game and can teach the game.”