Boyd-Buchanan (TN) Promotes Assistant to Head Football Coach

Charles Fant takes over the program after a successful 12-year run as head coach at Chattanooga Notre Dame High School.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:59pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boyd-Buchanan School in Chattanooga, Tennessee has promoted assistant coach Charles Fant to be the new head football coach, replacing the legendary Gary Rankin who stepped down last month after leading the Buccaneers to a 12-1 record and a state championship appearance in 2023.

Why it matters

Boyd-Buchanan is a private Christian school with a strong focus on academics and character development alongside its athletics programs. The football team has been a consistent powerhouse in Tennessee high school football, and the transition to a new head coach will be closely watched by the school community and local fans.

The details

Fant had a successful 12-year run as the head coach at Chattanooga Notre Dame High School, leading the Fighting Irish to three region championships, three state quarterfinal appearances, two state semifinal appearances, and a state championship game appearance in 2017. He joined the Boyd-Buchanan coaching staff two seasons ago and was instrumental in developing the team's talent. Fant takes over for the legendary Gary Rankin, who compiled 510 career wins and is a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Famer.

  • Rankin stepped down as Boyd-Buchanan's head coach last month.
  • Fant was promoted to head coach on March 12, 2026.

The players

Charles Fant

The new head football coach at Boyd-Buchanan School, Fant previously served as the head coach at Chattanooga Notre Dame High School for 12 seasons, where he led the Fighting Irish to three region championships, three state quarterfinal appearances, two state semifinal appearances, and a state championship game appearance in 2017.

Gary Rankin

The legendary former head football coach at Boyd-Buchanan School, Rankin compiled 510 career wins and is a Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Famer. He led the Buccaneers to a 12-1 record and a state championship appearance in 2023 before stepping down last month.

Boyd-Buchanan School

A private Christian institution in Chattanooga, Tennessee that serves students from preschool through 12th grade. The school is dedicated to fostering academic excellence alongside spiritual growth, emphasizing strong character development and citizenship.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“BREAKING: Boyd Buchanan has promoted assistant Charles Fant to the open head coaching position”

— Shayne Pickering, Media personality (Twitter)

“He joined the Bucs staff after a strong 12 year run as head coach at Notre Dame”

— Shayne Pickering, Media personality (Twitter)

“He was instrumental in developing the talent at Boyd the last two seasons”

— Shayne Pickering, Media personality (Twitter)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to build on their success under Fant's leadership, with high expectations for the upcoming season as they aim to compete for another state championship appearance.

The takeaway

The promotion of Charles Fant to head coach at Boyd-Buchanan School represents a seamless transition of leadership for the successful football program, as they look to maintain their status as one of the top high school teams in Tennessee under the guidance of an experienced and proven coach.