CROSSVILLE — The administration at Cumberland County High School is sad to announce that Jet football Coach Russ Partin has resigned his coaching position at CCHS.

He will continue to be a special education teacher at CCHS through the end of the school year. His resignation is in no way football related. It is a decision based on his family situation.

Partin stated in his resignation letter:  “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the administration, parents/supporters and, most of all, the football players and coaches at Cumberland County High School. My time spent as the head coach at CCHS was a dream realized. Due to personal and family priorities, I regretfully inform you that I am resigning as the head football coach of CCHS.  I confidently believe that the CCHS football program has taken many positive steps forward during my tenure and it is my greatest desire that the CCHS program continues to work toward achieving goals and being successful. A part of me will always have Jet Pride and will always support CCHS.”

Partin posted a three-year record of 7-23 and 1-11 in district play.

His 2011 team (1-9, 1-3) was the first team to win a homecoming game in several years and to win a district and/or region game since 2005.

This was the third year his team won District 6AAA's Offensive MVP Award, while long-time Jet assistant coach Marty Davis won the district's Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

The search for a new leader of the Jet football program did not take long. Defensive coordinator Ted McCaslin has been promoted to the position of head coach.

Coach Mac, as those at CCHS know him, has been teaching U.S. history and coaching at CCHS for the past three seasons. He has been an assistant coach and/or defensive coordinator for the past 17 years and a head track coach for the past 14 years. His coaching career includes stops at Cheatham County High School and Kenwood High School before coming to Crossville in 2009.

"I was suprised Russ stepped down, but I understand why he is resigning," said McCaslin Thursday evening. "I am excited, enthusiastic and nervous all at the same time. I've been waiting patiently for this opportunity and to bring back stability as head coach. I want to continue what Russ started. Every coach wants to have more wins than losses.

"I want to build a relationship with the students/athletes in the school. We have a great administration. I want to build a relationship with the athletes' parents and a relationship in the community."

He said he also wants to build a relationship with the elementary football teams which feed CCHS — Martin, South, Brown and Pleasant Hill, by recognizing them at one of the home games. Two of the home games are reserved for homecoming and senior night.

"The CCHS administration has been extremely impressed with his dedication to the student-athletes he has coached as well as his knowledge of the game. He will begin to look for assistant coaches to fill the vacancies on the football staff. The Jets played many underclassmen this past season and look forward to building on the foundation that has been laid," said Jon Hall, CCHS athletic director/assistant principal.

McCaslin becomes CCHS' third head coach in six years and the fourth coach since 1996. He follows Mike Pack (1996), Mark Wattenbarger (1997-2005) and Tony Shultz (2006-2008) as the Jets head coach.

"Coach Mac" attended Whittier College (1977-80) and Austin Peay State University (1992-'94), earning a bachelor's degree in history with a minor in education. He is in the process of completing his master's  in administration and supervision.

He and his wife, Kathy, have four children, Monica (28), Justin (27), Kati (22) and Kelsey (21).

Blake Allen, Dewayne McGhee, Marty Davis, Jim Brady and Dean Patton completed Partin's staff in 2011.

McCaslin continue as CCHS' head track and field coach and doing the public address announcing at the Lady Jet and Jet home basketball games.