Former Middlesboro High Standout Hunter Adams Named Head Football Coach at MHS

MIDDLESBORO, Ky. -- Hunter Adams has been named the head football coach at Middlesboro High School, it was announced Friday.

Adams has served as the Yellow Jackets' 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 at MHS and was a key member of a staff that captured three district championships and one regional championship. (French, who recently retired after a 48-year coaching career, is the third-winningest coach in Kentucky high school football history with coaching stops at Mercer County, Meade County, Lincoln County, Boyle County, Southwestern and Middlesboro.)

Hunter Adams

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, 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.

MHS athletic director Dr. 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," said Slusher. "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.”

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 Adams’ leadership and invites the community to join in welcoming him into this new role Friday, January 2 at 2 p.m. ET at the Central Arts Auditorium on the campus of Middlesboro High School for a reception and press conference.