Sevier County football coach Tony Linginfelter retires after seven seasons

Aaron Torres
Knoxville News Sentinel

Sevier County football coach Tony Linginfelter retired as coach, announcing his decision on Twitter on Monday afternoon. Linginfelter led Sevier County to a 5-6 record in 2020. 

Sevier County lost to David Crockett 63-35 in the first round of the Class 5A TSSAA football playoffs. Linginfelter was hired as Sevier County's football coach for the 2014 season. He had been an assistant coach for the Smoky Bears for 31 years, said Sevier County athletic director Bryan Atchely. 

Before being hired as Sevier County's, Linginfelter was the offensive coordinator, including during Sevier County's 1999 season, when Sevier County won its first state championship in school history — Sevier County defeated Glencliff 31-27 in the Class 5A state championship. 

Linginfelter was hired as the Smoky Bears coach heading into the 2014 season. He led the Smoky Bears, who were in Class 6A that season, to the playoffs. Sevier County lost to Maryville, the state champions in the second round. 

The next season, Sevier County dropped down to Class 5A. Linginfelter led Sevier County to the Class 5A state championship game for the second time in school history. Sevier County lost to independence 49-14. 

Linginfelter finished his career as head coach with a 40-40 record.