COLUMBIA, Tenn. (WGNS) - The Tennessee Football Coaches Association (TnFCA) has officially named its 2026 Hall of Fame Class, and the list serves as a "who’s who" of coaching excellence for our community. Highlighting the class are two titans of the Murfreesboro area: Ron Aydelott and Jimmy Maynord. Both men were instrumental in building the powerhouse reputation of Riverdale High School football and will be formally inducted on February 28, 2026.
Local Ties and Coaching History
Ron Aydelott: The Standard of Excellence Ron Aydelott is a name synonymous with winning in Middle Tennessee. Before arriving at Riverdale High School, he built a formidable reputation at Hillsboro. However, it was his 10-year tenure as the Warriors' head coach (2006–2015) that cemented his legendary status locally. Aydelott finished his career with nearly 190 wins, including an 88-35 record at Riverdale, where he led the team to eight playoff appearances and earned the Tennessee Titans Coach of the Week honors multiple times. His disciplined approach and ability to navigate high-stakes rivalries kept Riverdale at the forefront of the state championship conversation for a decade.
Jimmy Maynord: 42 Years of Gridiron Wisdom Jimmy Maynord's induction honors a career that spanned over four decades and more than 500 games. Locally, Maynord is revered for his time as an assistant coach at Riverdale High School under the legendary Gary Rankin, where he helped lay the foundation for the school's dominance. Maynord transitioned into an elite head coaching career, amassing 234 wins across stops at White County, Upperman, Smith County, and Cookeville. In 2024, Maynord returned to the athletic scene as the Athletic Director for Upperman High School, continuing to shape young athletes even after hanging up his whistle in 2021.
The 2026 Inductees at a Glance
The induction ceremony on February 28 will also honor three other foundational figures in the sport:
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Tom Adkins: Recognized for decades of leadership and a massive footprint in the coaching community.
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Clark Duncan: A pillar of consistency and mentorship throughout his tenure.
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Wayne Turner: The legendary Tyner Academy coach who retired as one of the state's all-time winningest leaders.
Tickets for the 2026 Hall of Fame Banquet are available through the TnFCA website at tnfca.org.
