The last year or so has been draining for just about everybody in America. After getting through this past boys basketball season, Brad Dickey decided it was time for a bit of a break.
Following a seven-year run as the head coach at Franklin, one that included a stretch of three consecutive Mid-State Conference championships, Dickey submitted his resignation.
“Franklin is an awesome school; it’s a beautiful place,” Dickey said. “We’ve had a lot of good experiences, we’ve stayed really busy and worked really hard, and now we’re just going to take a moment to catch our breath.
“I’m happy to have been here as the coach, and it’s just a great town. My family’s had a lot of great experiences here.”
Those experiences included Dickey having the opportunity to coach his son Damon on the hardwood. Now a senior, the younger Dickey has signed to play golf at Butler for the next four years; having more time to follow his career, and to spend time with his family in general, was part of what drove the coach’s decision.
Brad Dickey was 92-74 during his tenure with the Grizzly Cubs, claiming the conference title outright in 2017 and earning a share in 2016 and 2018. He is 235-150 overall in 16 seasons as a varsity coach, including a wildly successful five-year run at Tipton that included four sectional titles and three semistate appearances.
His Franklin teams have struggled the past two seasons, however, going 10-11 a year ago and 7-15 this past winter.
“I think Brad recognizes that it’s probably time for a fresh start and a new voice in the program,” Grizzly Cubs athletic director Bill Doty said. “With Damon going to college and playing at Butler, he’s going to want to spend more time with family, so there’s that piece of it. I appreciate all of the time and effort that he’s put into the basketball program. He’s been here for seven years and dedicated a ton of time.
“It’s been a tough year for him. The last couple of years have been tough, but especially this year.”
Dickey has not ruled out an eventual return to coaching somewhere else, but he says “it’s not mandatory.”
Meanwhile, Doty has already heard from a number of interested candidates since the job opening was posted just days ago. He’s hopeful that a new coach can be introduced shortly.
“I can just tell you that I’m excited about the possibilities,” Doty said.
