A new era began for Booker T. Washington football on Monday as Washington Athletic Director Joe Williams confirmed Tommy Joe Whiddon as the program's new head coach.
Whiddon spent the last six years at Niceville High and the last four as offensive coordinator. He also served as a graduate assistant coach for Auburn University during its 2010 National Championship season.
During the last four years at Niceville, Whiddon helped guide the Eagles to a 31-14 record, averaging 365 yards per game. The Eagles made the playoffs each year and reached the regional finals in 2015.
He's helped his players set eight school records at Niceville: total offense gained in one game, total offense in a season, rushing yards in a season, passing yards in a game and season, passing yards in a career, passing touchdowns in a game and receiving yards in a game.
Whiddon will the void left by Dredrick Bell, who resigned as Washington's head coach on Dec. 20.
Bell finished 0-10 in one season as head coach at Washington, stepping in from his role as athletic director to succeed former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward as head coach.