FAYETTEVILLE, TENN.- Christmas came early for Kevin Rose.

After 11 seasons as head football coach at Bob Jones, Rose retired from the Alabama teaching program and has accepted the position as head football coach at Lincoln County in nearby Fayetteville, Tenn. The move for the 49-year old Rose is a good one as he will receive a reported nominal pay raise and will be among one of the top storied football programs in Tennessee.

Rose’s move to the Falcons came after head coach Tim Johnson resigned his head coach position after being suspended Oct. 4 for what has been called a locker room incident. Johnson remains at the school as a teacher, but the football program was headed up by interim head coach Don McNeese and finished the season with a 2-8 record, including 1-4 in Region 5.

A press conference was held at Shoney’s Restaurant, located within sight of the football complex at Lincoln County High, of the announcement alongside school principal Billy Owens and athletic director Jeff Bell. The announcement came after Rose had an interview Dec. 1 and accepted the offer on Dec. 12. He met with school officials at a Starbucks where details were finalized.

Rose led the Patriots to a 90-36 overall record and 64-14 in region play along with a 6-10 playoff record. The Patriots won six region titles under the guidance of Rose.

Rose will continue to live in Madison with his wife, Heather, who is an apparel rep for BSN Sports.

“The timing was perfect for me personally and professionally and the job fell into place at a great time,” said Rose. “It was one of only a few jobs I could accept and still draw my retirement from the Alabama public school system after 26 years. It was a great 11 years at Bob Jones and overall was a great experience.”

Lincoln County has three state championships in its trophy case, but has struggled over the last decade as the Falcons are 20 games under 500 during that period. Rose added, “What a great challenge it will be for me to help build the program back to where it once was.”

“Kevin and Bob Jones was fully prepared to coach at Bob Jones next season and we hope to have his replacement in place by spring practice,” said Tom Runnion athletic director at Bob Jones.

“I’ll turn 50 years old on February first, which will be the first day on the job for me as head coach of Lincoln County,” said Rose.