Chelsea High School has announced the appointment of Tad Niblett as the new head football coach for the Hornets, following approval by the Shelby County Board of Education. Niblett, a seasoned coach with 33 years of experience, joins Chelsea after a successful tenure at Gainesville High School in Georgia, where he served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. During his time there, he contributed to multiple deep postseason runs, including state runner-up finishes in 2022 and 2025.
Prior to Gainesville, Niblett was a key figure at Hoover High School, helping secure four AHSAA state championships and three runner-up titles. His extensive coaching career also includes roles at Foley High School, Springwood School, and Central Christian.
Dr. Brandon Turner, principal of Chelsea High School, expressed enthusiasm for Niblett’s arrival, stating, “We are very happy and eager to bring Coach Niblett and his championship experience on board at Chelsea High School.” Athletic Director Michael Stallings added, “We are excited about the vision that Coach Niblett has for the football program here at Chelsea.”
Niblett, who played quarterback for Harding University, has participated in nine state championship games throughout his career. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “Chelsea is a special place with a strong sense of pride and tradition. Our vision is to create a strong, player-centered culture anchored in character, accountability, and relationships.”
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Niblett holds a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Troy University and a Bachelor’s degree from Harding University. He and his wife, Paige, have two children, Riley and Cassidy, and a daughter-in-law, Olivia.
