Then-Baker defensive coordinator Eric Scott addresses players after the Hornets’ 17-14 double-overtime win over Hewitt-Trussville in the first round of last year’s Class 7A playoffs, the school’s first postseason win in 40 years. Scott was named Baker’s head coach on Friday. (Tom Deck/Call News)
By ARTHUR L. MACK
Baker defensive coordinator Eric Scott, who directed one of Class 7A’s best defenses in 2024, was promoted to head coach Friday, the school announced.
Baker athletic director Daniel Kertis said Scott, who has served as an assistant coach for the last four years, was named as head coach, succeeding Juan Johnson, who left after one season to take the James Clemens job.
“I’m deeply honored for this opportunity,” said Scott, who as the Hornets’ defensive coordinator last season coached the No. 3-ranked Class 7A defense against the score (14.3 points per game). “The program is trending; we’re in such a good position. The administration has shown a lot of faith in me and I’m excited to get started. I thank the administration for this opportunity. I know the kids and I know the coaches. We just want to continue our momentum, to continue to work hard toward our goals and continue to have a quality program as a statewide contender. Coach Johnson brought in some great ideas and we developed a friendship. I’m thankful for that friendship and I’m thankful for his time at Baker.”
Kertis said Scott’s loyalty and growth were factors in the decision to promote him.
“He’s been very good with leadership and that really helped our players grow into the type of players that we want at Baker,” Kertis said. “Besides his discipline and how it’s important to be good in the classroom, he has really done well in modeling what we want our athletes to have. I’m super excited for him. I think it’s a well-deserved promotion. I definitely think that’s a (good) fit for us because of what Eric brings to the table as a coach and as a person. It’s very unlikely that anybody’s going to throw something at coach Scott that he hasn’t seen in his 22 years of coaching. He’s known the ins and outs of the system. He’s walked up and down these halls, he’s made good connections with the kids here. They were super excited when we announced the decision today.”
Scott had previous head coaching experience, going 10-20 at B.C. Rain from 2008-2010.
