Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball Head Coach Bill Francis steps down

Francis leaves the program after 12 years as head coach

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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After 12 years as the Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball head coach, Bill Francis is stepping away from the program. Francis took over the staff in 2014 and earned an overall record of 230-158 for a .592 winning percentage. In 2024, he led the Lady Indians to the TSSAA State Quarterfinals, which was the team's first appearance at that stage since 1995.

Why it matters

Francis' departure marks the end of an era for the Dobyns-Bennett girls' basketball program, which has seen significant success under his leadership over the past 12 seasons. His resignation will require the school to find a new head coach to continue the team's momentum and development of student-athletes.

The details

According to the announcement, Francis is stepping down from his role as head coach of the Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball team. During his 12-year tenure, he compiled an impressive 230-158 record, good for a .592 winning percentage. His most notable achievement was leading the Lady Indians to the TSSAA State Quarterfinals in 2024, the team's first appearance at that stage since 1995.

  • Francis took over as head coach in 2014.
  • In 2024, he led Dobyns-Bennett to the TSSAA State Quarterfinals.

The players

Bill Francis

The former head coach of the Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball team, who is stepping down after 12 years in the role.

Frankie DeBusk

The Athletic Director at Dobyns-Bennett High School, who praised Francis' tenure as more than just a coach, but also a mentor and leader who prioritized the development of student-athletes.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Francis has been more than just a coach. He has been a mentor and a leader who truly prioritized the development of the whole student-athlete.”

— Frankie DeBusk, Athletic Director (WCYB)

What’s next

The school will now begin the process of finding a new head coach to lead the Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball program.

The takeaway

Bill Francis' resignation after 12 successful seasons as the Dobyns-Bennett Girl's Basketball head coach marks the end of an era for the program. The school will need to find a new leader who can continue the team's momentum and commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes.