FOOTBALL: Tarkington hires Memorial assistant Bass as head coach, AD
Published 11:14 pm Thursday, April 4, 2019
Memorial offensive coordinator Zach Bass has been named head football coach and athletic director at Tarkington.
The Tarkington ISD announced Bass’ hire on its website. In the post, the district wrote that Bass’ “service as an educator and coach, experience in lead positions and effective and positive communication style, are what set him apart as the finalist. We are extremely excited for Coach Bass to join the Longhorns as AD and Head Football coach. Coach Bass believes in all programs and that coaching is about teaching kids with a positive and nurturing environment.”
Bass said on his Facebook page Thursday he “was approved for and accepted the position” on Tuesday. Head coach and athletic director is a dual position at Tarkington, which is located just east of Cleveland in the community of Tarkington Prairie.
“It’s difficult to put into words the excitement of embarking upon a lifelong dream with my family, while also departing from some great people,” Bass wrote. “We’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve a new school district and community in Tarkington.”
A Nederland alumnus, Bass spent the past season leading the offense and the offensive line under then-first year head coach Brian Morgan after a stint with Port Neches-Groves. Tarkington Superintendent Marc Keith is a former PNG principal.
The Titans finished second to New Caney in District 9-5A Division I and 9-2 overall, while Bass’ offense averaged 359 yards of offense through the regular season.
The offense was highlighted by its ground game. Sophomore Branden Chaney was the Titans’ featured back and totaled 664 yards and nine touchdowns, but senior JaVontae’ Hopkins (517 yards, eight touchdowns in regular season) and sophomore Tyrence Augusta (277 yards, six touchdowns) came on with strong performances as Chaney went down with an injury.
“We are also leaving some quality people in Port Arthur,” Bass posted. “Coach Brian Morgan allowed me the privilege of being his Offensive Coordinator and O-Line Coach, which introduced me to some tremendous kids, coaches, teachers, administrators and support staff. As he says, #TitanTempo waits for no one and there will be a next man up.”