In a region historically deep with standout-athletes who have made lasting impressions in collegiate and professional sports, former Kingsport Dobyns-Bennett standout Teddy Gaines garners instant recognition in Tennessee's Tri-Cities area.
After starring for the Indians, Gaines became a multi-year contributor at the University of Tennessee and helped the Vols to the 1998 national championship as a starting defensive back.
Now, Gaines is poised to return to his native region and jump back into college coaching. Sources tell FootballScoop that Gaines is finalizing an opportunity to help coach the secondary for head coach George Quarles and defensive coordinator Billy Taylor at ETSU.
Once finalized, the ETSU post would mark his second time at the Football Championship Subdivision program that competes in the Southern Conference.
Gaines also has coaching experience at multiple East Tennessee high schools, as well as NCAA Division II program Tusculum college.
After playing some in both the NFL and CFL, Gaines launched a coaching career that's included additional collegiate stops at NCAA Division III program Maryville College, as well as Brevard College.
The Bucs are entering their second season under Quarles and open the 2023 campaign Sept. 2 at Jacksonville State before making their home debut a week later against Carson-Newman.