New Franklin boys basketball coach Darrin Joines
If the old adage is “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” holds true, then it makes sense why Franklin High Athletic Director Jay Johnson hired former Beech coach Darrin Joines Friday to head up the 2016-17 Rebels basketball team.
“When I was coaching (at Franklin), I was so impressed with the way (Joines) ran the 1-3-1 (zone) defense, that we stole it,” said Johnson, with a laugh. Beech was known for running primarily a 1-3-1 zone defense during Joines’ 15 years at the helm.
Joines, who tallied over 300 wins in more than 16 seasons at Beech, replaces Jamie Wilson, who resigned earlier this month after leading the Rebels to a Region 6-AAA semifinal appearance in his final season.
“I don’t think every job is for everybody, but this is for me,” said Joines. “I’m excited about it. This is everything I love to do, on the court and off.”
He resigned following this past season after compiling a 308-198 record with the Buccaneers, taking the team to two Class AAA state tournament appearances.
“I hadn’t thought about coaching again (after resigning at Beech),” Joines said. “I still planned on teaching at Beech. I had looked into some administrative jobs. But this is a great opportunity. Franklin High School has a great tradition. The community, the program and the people at the school area great.”
Johnson, a former Franklin High standout and coach, has been familiar with Joines both on and off the court for several years.
“We actually have a really good mutual friend that introduced us,” Johnson said. “I got to know Darrin pretty well. When he contacted us with interest in the position, I was excited.”
Joines guided the Buccaneers to a combined seven District 9-AAA regular-season/tournament titles, one Region 5-AAA championship, three sectional appearances and a pair of state quarterfinal finishes (2009, 2010).
One of those sectional wins came against a Johnson-coached Franklin squad in 2009 (67-48).
“We feel like we’re pretty lucky that he was available,” Johnson said. “Having coached against him, I knew what he could bring to the table and he coached kids that are very similar to the kids we’ve got at Franklin.
“It seemed like a perfect fit, and I was really excited to find out he was interested. We’re glad things worked out.”
As for the 1-3-1 defense, Joines didn’t hesitate when asked if he planned to run it at Franklin.
“Absolutely,” he said.
The Tennessean’s Michael Murphy contributed to this report.