Longtime Coach Takes Position of Athletics Director for Hamilton County Schools

Tim James, the longtime football coach at East Ridge High School, is leaving his position at the school to take on the duties of Hamilton County athletics director.

James coached at the school for more than 20 years during two different stints. He coached at Heritage and LaFayette in Georgia. He also worked at Loftis Middle and Central High.

James told the Chattanooga Times Free Press’s Stephen Hargis that he was “honored” to be asked to oversee athletics throughout the county system. He noted that he had “invested a lot of time and energy into East Ridge” and enjoyed his time at the school.

James was a persistent driving force behind the construction of a million-dollar field house at Raymond James Stadium, named in honor of Tim’s father. The Johnny Jones Strength and Conditioning Center opened earlier this spring after a five-year effort to find the money and a suitable site.

Coach James led the team to two region championships in his tenure.

Hamilton County schools superintendent Dr. Justin Robertson told the TFP that “leadership matters at every level” of the school district.  

File Photo – Tim James addresses the East Ridge City Council in 2018 urging the governing body to take action in building a field house at East Ridge High School.