Brett Ridenour Named New Head Coach at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, Steps Into Varsity Role with Deep Experience and a Vision for Growth
There’s a new era beginning at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy, and it’s being led by a familiar face. Brett Ridenour, who previously headed up the middle school football program at MJCA, is making the jump to the varsity level, taking over as the Saints’ new head football coach.
The school made the move official on Monday, signaling a shift in direction after a challenging stretch for the program. Ridenour steps in for longtime head coach Dan Davis, who helmed the varsity squad for 12 seasons.
Davis’ tenure included moments of high achievement-most notably, back-to-back TSSAA Division II-A quarterfinal appearances in 2017 and 2018-but the program struggled to maintain that momentum. Over his dozen years at the helm, Davis compiled a 42-81 overall record, with just two playoff appearances in the last seven seasons.
The Saints finished the most recent campaign at 1-9, missing the postseason for the second straight year.
Enter Ridenour, a coach with over 15 years of high school football experience and a résumé that speaks to both player development and offensive innovation. Before arriving at MJCA, Ridenour spent time leading Western High School in Nevada and served 13 seasons as the offensive and special teams coordinator at Arbor View High School, also in Nevada. During his time at Arbor View, his units consistently ranked among the top five in the state, and his offenses shattered multiple school records.
Just as notable is his track record of developing talent. Under his guidance, more than 80 players moved on to play college football, including 45 at the Division I level. That ability to identify, mentor, and prepare athletes for the next stage will be key as MJCA looks to rebuild and reestablish itself as a contender in Division II-A.
Matt Bradshaw, MJCA’s Upper School Principal and Athletic Director, had high praise for Ridenour’s leadership and the impact he’s already had within the school community.
“Coach Ridenour has already made a tremendous impact on our students through his leadership at the middle school level,” Bradshaw said. “His experience, passion for mentoring, and Christ-centered approach make him an outstanding leader for our high school football program.”
This isn’t just a promotion-it’s a calculated move to bring in a coach who knows the MJCA culture, understands the challenges ahead, and has the tools to turn things around. Ridenour’s transition from middle school to varsity won’t be without its hurdles, but he’s not stepping into the unknown. He’s stepping into a program he’s already invested in, with a clear vision and a proven track record.
For the Saints, the road back to postseason relevance starts now. And with Ridenour at the helm, there’s a renewed sense of purpose-and possibility-at Mt. Juliet Christian Academy.