TIFTON, GA - Tift County Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Charles Burkett as the new head coach for the Tift County High School boys basketball team, effective May 1, 2025.
Burkett brings more than 20 years of championship-level coaching experience and a strong record of student-athlete development to the Blue Devils. Most recently, he served as head coach at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, where he led the Red Devils to several winning seasons, including a 28-4 finish and a Class 7A state semifinal appearance in 2024-2025. Prior to that, he guided Hoover High School to the 2015 Class 7A state championship. Under his leadership, teams have consistently achieved success with multiple Final Four appearances, area titles, and deep playoff runs.
“Coach Burkett is a proven leader with a strong vision for building a winning culture both on and off the court,” said Tift County Athletic Director Chris Martin. “His experience and passion for developing student-athletes make him a perfect fit for Tift County. We’re excited to welcome him to Blue Devil Nation.”
Coach Burkett's basketball journey is marked by significant achievements both as a player and a coach.
Playing Career:
Burkett played three standout seasons at Jacksonville State University, leading the Gamecocks to a 72-13 record, two Gulf South Conference Championships, and two NCAA Elite Eight appearances. He scored over 1,300 career points and earned Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and NCAA All-American honors during his senior season. In recognition of his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Jacksonville State Hall of Fame in 2013.
Professional Experience:
After college, Burkett played professionally for five years overseas, gaining valuable international experience in countries such as France, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, and the Dominican Republic—perspectives that continue to shape his coaching approach.
Coaching Career:
Following his playing days, Burkett transitioned into coaching, amassing over two decades of experience with a cumulative record of 432-190 over 21 years. His coaching tenure includes positions at Jacksonville State University, Saks High School, Hoover High School, Athens High School, and Central High School in Phenix City. At Hoover, in addition to the 2015 state championship, he achieved three Final Four appearances (2012, 2015, 2019). His teams have consistently excelled, with 13 seasons of 20 or more wins, nine area titles, eight regional final appearances, and six Final Four berths.
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Burkett to the Tift County family," said Natalie Gore, Superintendent of Tift County Schools. "His dedication to developing student-athletes both on and off the court aligns perfectly with our district's values. We are confident that his leadership will continue the proud tradition of Blue Devils basketball."
“The students of Tift County High School, both athletes and non athletes, will see a positive impact from Coach Burkett walking our halls,” stated TCHS principal Jennifer Johnson. “He has high expectations for students and believes in accountability and fairness.”
Burkett expressed enthusiasm about his new role: "I am honored to join Tift County High School and lead the boys basketball program. The Blue Devils have a storied championship history, and I look forward to building upon that foundation to achieve continued growth for our student-athletes both on and off the court."
A Meet and Greet event will be held at Tift County High School in the near future. Time and date to be announced after Coach Burkett starts on May 1st, 2025.