Matt McConnell named Westview football coach, returns for second stint

Matt McConnell is going back to Westview.

McConnell was hired as the Westview football coach Monday following four seasons at Camden, his alma mater, where he posted a 12-29 record, including a 4-6 record in 2023.

"I've been here before, and the opportunity to come back to a great school and a great community was very intriguing," McConnell said. "(It's) exciting for me and my family and the opportunity to come back and work for (principal) Coach (Brian) Allen and (athletic director Brian) Haskins and (assistant principal Delana) Smith was just a great opportunity for us and we're excited."

McConnell replaces Jarod Neal, who resigned from the position on Jan. 10 after four seasons leading the team.

"It's very fortunate to have the community and have an opportunity to work for these guys is exciting for me," McConnell said. "It's exciting for my wife, my family to get here, make this community our home again and get the ball rolling."

Before Camden, McConnell spent one season at Westview, leading the Chargers in 2019. Westview went 6-5 that season. His star quarterback at the time — Ty Simpson — is now at Alabama. Ironically, Simpson’s younger brother, Graham, will be a freshman quarterback at the school next season.

"When he was here before, the excitement around the program was at an all-time high," Haskins said. "The energy in the building during the football season was great. ... This could push us to new heights on the offensive side of the ball."

McConnell was at Waverly for five seasons before moving to Westview the first time, where he compiled a 50-13 record with five playoff appearances – including two semifinal berths.

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Westview was 7-5 in 2023 with a three-point loss to Dyersburg in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs.

"(Delana) Smith and I sat in on all the interviews, we bounced ideas off one another and was very fortunate that coach McConnell applied for this job," Allen said. "We have a good nucleus coming back with a new group coming up in the middle school in the next couple of years. ... It's all about the kids and we try to make the best decision for our kids in the school."