MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Former Siegel High School boys' basketball head coach Ben Dotson has passed away at the age of 55 due to recent health complications.
Dotson initially served as an assistant coach under Siegel's first head coach, Chris Harris, before taking the helm of the program starting with the 2008–2009 season. Over eight seasons leading the Stars through February 2016, Dotson amassed an overall record of 176-69, earning a .718 winning percentage.
“Ben was a super guy, a local guy who loved basketball,” said David Watson, a former head football coach at Siegel and Blackman and now an assistant at his alma mater Oakland. “Players played hard for him, and he had some great teams.
“Super fun guy to be around and really loved his players. Always stayed in touch with his friends and was so caring. If you were his friend, he had your back. He will be missed. Our community, and I know that my family and myself, will miss him. It was just a gut punch when I heard the news Friday night.”
Under his leadership, Siegel became a powerhouse in Middle Tennessee, securing four TSSAA Class AAA State Tournament appearances in 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. His squads reached two state Final Four games and two Elite Eight rounds, helping develop standout talent including Kerry Hammonds and Charles Clark. Dotson kicked off his head coaching career in the 2008–2009 season with a 26–6 record and 15–1 district mark to win the District Championship, followed by a 23–9 campaign in 2009–2010 that earned a state tournament berth. His 2010–2011 squad posted a 30–2 record with a perfect 12–0 district run on the way to the TSSAA State Semifinals. After a 19–11 season and region tournament appearance in 2011–2012, Dotson led the Stars to a 29–6 mark in 2012–2013 for another state semifinal berth, and followed it up with a 30–2 record and 14–0 district finish in 2013–2014 to reach the state quarterfinals.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Coach Ben Dotson,” Blackman boys’ coach Barry Wortman said. “Ben left an incredible mark on basketball in Rutherford County and throughout the state of Tennessee.
“He had a unique style, flair and an ability to bring out the very best in his players. Ben celebrated many great wins throughout his career, but now he has claimed the ultimate win. He is in the arms of our Heavenly Father.”
On June 19th, 2020, Dotson survived a violent crash on Interstate 65 near Interstate 840 when an 18-wheeler collided with his truck while traveling with his then 5-year-old daughter, C.J. His daughter escaped without injury, but first responders had to cut Dotson from the vehicle. He suffered severe injuries and was in a medically induced coma for nearly six weeks.
Dotson remained on staff at Siegel for much of the time after resigning as the basketball coach. He has spent the last couple of years as a Credit Recovery Teacher.
Dotson was the son of the late Guy Dotson Sr., former District Attorney General, and Jeanne Pardue Dotson. He graduated from Riverdale High School before earning his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
Rooted deeply in his faith, Dotson served as a mentor to young men both on the court and in life, known for his quick wit, sly sense of humor, and extraordinary memory. Beyond his passion for coaching basketball and attending live sporting events, his true treasures were his family, especially his daughter.
Dotson is survived by his daughter, Cecilia Jean "CJ" Dotson; his sister, Bethe Becker and her husband Frank; his brothers, Von Dotson and his wife Jana, and Greg Dotson; his dear friend, Jory Savage; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Pallbearers for the service will be his nephews Brent Dotson, Kyle Dotson, Trey Dotson, Hank Becker, Chris Weber, and Luke Rainey. Visitation with the family will take place at New Vision Baptist Church on Thursday (October 15th) from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the funeral service following immediately after. The family will hold a private burial at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charity Circle of Murfreesboro or the First Shot Foundation.
