MEADVILLE – Nine years ago Anthony Hart left Franklin County for Lafayette County, now he’s leaving Lafayette County and returning to ‘Bulldog Land’ as the new head football coach of the team.

The FCHS School Board approved his hiring Tuesday night, as the Bulldogs made their fourth coaching move at the position in less than a year.

“Our district wanted a football coach with strong character, a vision for our football program and a history of winning football,” said Franklin County schools Superintendent of Education Ray Carlock. “We hired a winner both on the field and in the classroom.”

Hart served as head football coach at FC from 2002-2004, establishing a program of excellence and compiling a 29-8 record in his three years at the helm.

In 2004, the Bulldogs finished 12-2 and 3A South State runners’ up to West Lauderdale.

During his tenure at Lafayette County, Hart built a program into a Class 4A powerhouse as he captured the 2010 & 2011 4A titles with undefeated marks.

In 2012 Hart, a Lincoln County native stepped down as head football coach and became Athletic Director at Lafayette Co.

Franklin High went 6-5 this season despite three coaching changes in less than six months. Jim Nowell was hired to replace Rickey O’Quinn Jr. in March.

In August, days before their first regular season game Nowell stepped down as head coach amid allegations of misconduct by players and parents.

Chris Calcote took over the team on an interim basis and guided the team to a solid season. FCHS finished third in district play behind South State finalists Hazlehurst and Wilkinson County in the always powerful Region 7-3A.

Seminary eliminated the Bulldogs from the playoffs with a 44-42 win in the 1st Round.

Hart will take over the program next month, despite remaining athletic director at Lafayette County until June 1. He plans to conduct Spring Practice in April and May at FCHS.