Per Middlesboro Facebook.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Middlesboro High School Announces Promotion of Hunter Adams to Head Football Coach
Middlesboro, KY — Middlesboro High School is proud to announce the promotion of Hunter Adams to Head Football Coach of the Yellow Jackets football program, effective immediately. The announcement was made by Athletic Director Ben Slusher.

Coach Adams has served as the team’s Offensive Coordinator for the past seven seasons, following several years as a position coach within the program. During that time, Adams worked under legendary Head Coach Larry French and was a key member of a staff that captured three district championships and one regional championship.

Over his seven-year tenure as Offensive Coordinator, Middlesboro consistently ranked among the top 10 scoring offenses in the state each season, including two years finishing No. 1 overall in scoring. Under his leadership, the program produced two record-setting quarterbacks and developed the school’s all-time leading receiver, reflecting both his offensive expertise and his ability to develop elite talent within the system.

Someone who understands the history while being an essential part of its future, Adams is a fourth-generation Yellow Jacket football player and a member of the Middlesboro Sports Hall of Fame. His deep ties to the program and community are matched by an impressive football resume. Adams played collegiately at Tusculum University, the University of Kentucky, and finally finished his career at the University of Pikeville, where he later earned his bachelor’s degree. 

In addition to his coaching and playing credentials, Coach Adams’ commitment to Middlesboro extends beyond the field. He is married to Sally Adams, the Head Coach of the Middlesboro High School girls basketball program. Together, they have two sons, Case and Cam, and are expecting a daughter to be born in May 2026, who represent the fifth generation of Middlesboro athletes, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to the Yellow Jacket community.

Athletic Director Ben Slusher expressed strong confidence in the decision:
“Hunter Adams is Middlesboro’s favorite son, and for good reason. He understands this program, this town, and what it means to be a Yellow Jacket at a level very few ever will. Beyond our friendship, I respect him deeply as a football mind, a leader of young men, and a person of integrity. Learning under Coach Larry French and helping lead one of the most successful stretches in program history speaks volumes. His passion for Middlesboro is genuine, and his love for this place shows in everything he does. I have full confidence that he will lead our football program with pride, discipline, and excellence.”

Coach Adams has consistently expressed his love for Middlesboro and his commitment to serving the community that helped shape him. His promotion represents both continuity and renewed energy for a program steeped in tradition and high expectations.
Middlesboro High School looks forward to the future of Yellow Jacket football under Coach Adams’ leadership and invites the community to join in welcoming him into this new role January 2nd, 2026 at 2PM at the Central Arts Auditorium on the campus of Middlesboro High School for a reception and press conference. 

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Ben Slusher
Athletic Director
Middlesboro High School
[email protected]

Just now, Bac2369 said:

Per Middlesboro Facebook.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Middlesboro High School Announces Promotion of Hunter Adams to Head Football Coach
Middlesboro, KY — Middlesboro High School is proud to announce the promotion of Hunter Adams to Head Football Coach of the Yellow Jackets football program, effective immediately. The announcement was made by Athletic Director Ben Slusher.

Coach Adams has served as the team’s Offensive Coordinator for the past seven seasons, following several years as a position coach within the program. During that time, Adams worked under legendary Head Coach Larry French and was a key member of a staff that captured three district championships and one regional championship.

Over his seven-year tenure as Offensive Coordinator, Middlesboro consistently ranked among the top 10 scoring offenses in the state each season, including two years finishing No. 1 overall in scoring. Under his leadership, the program produced two record-setting quarterbacks and developed the school’s all-time leading receiver, reflecting both his offensive expertise and his ability to develop elite talent within the system.

Someone who understands the history while being an essential part of its future, Adams is a fourth-generation Yellow Jacket football player and a member of the Middlesboro Sports Hall of Fame. His deep ties to the program and community are matched by an impressive football resume. Adams played collegiately at Tusculum University, the University of Kentucky, and finally finished his career at the University of Pikeville, where he later earned his bachelor’s degree. 

In addition to his coaching and playing credentials, Coach Adams’ commitment to Middlesboro extends beyond the field. He is married to Sally Adams, the Head Coach of the Middlesboro High School girls basketball program. Together, they have two sons, Case and Cam, and are expecting a daughter to be born in May 2026, who represent the fifth generation of Middlesboro athletes, further demonstrating the family’s commitment to the Yellow Jacket community.

Athletic Director Ben Slusher expressed strong confidence in the decision:
“Hunter Adams is Middlesboro’s favorite son, and for good reason. He understands this program, this town, and what it means to be a Yellow Jacket at a level very few ever will. Beyond our friendship, I respect him deeply as a football mind, a leader of young men, and a person of integrity. Learning under Coach Larry French and helping lead one of the most successful stretches in program history speaks volumes. His passion for Middlesboro is genuine, and his love for this place shows in everything he does. I have full confidence that he will lead our football program with pride, discipline, and excellence.”

Coach Adams has consistently expressed his love for Middlesboro and his commitment to serving the community that helped shape him. His promotion represents both continuity and renewed energy for a program steeped in tradition and high expectations.
Middlesboro High School looks forward to the future of Yellow Jacket football under Coach Adams’ leadership and invites the community to join in welcoming him into this new role January 2nd, 2026 at 2PM at the Central Arts Auditorium on the campus of Middlesboro High School for a reception and press conference. 

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Ben Slusher
Athletic Director
Middlesboro High School
[email protected]

Wow! Hats off to the Middlesboro admin. They had a GREAT candidate in house. Instead of screw around and play games, they immediately did what was best for the kids.  

Have seen schools go a different route and pay a big price for doing so. Takes a long time to get the train back on the tracks. 

Congrats to Coach Adams & the Jackets! 

On 12/26/2025 at 1:34 PM, Bac2369 said:

Someone who understands the history while being an essential part of its future, Adams is a fourth-generation Yellow Jacket football player and a member of the Middlesboro Sports Hall of Fame. His deep ties to the program and community are matched by an impressive football resume. Adams played collegiately at Tusculum University, the University of Kentucky, and finally finished his career at the University of Pikeville, where he later earned his bachelor’s degree. 

Hunter is a 2009 Middlesboro grad. He was a RB/DB/ATH for the Yellow Jackets, also playing some quarterback. As a senior he was one of 10 finalists for the Mr. Football award in addition to being named 1st Team All-State by the CJ and named to the 2008 Class Of The Commonwealth by the HL. Also played in the TN-KY Border Bowl that year.

Hunter's dad, Vic, is also a Middlesboro alum - as mentioned above. Vic was a defensive lineman who was named to the 1982 & 1984 all-state teams and played college ball at UK.