Bobby Bentley is joining the Auburn University coaching staff as offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach.
Bentley told the team today with District Five Schools Superintendent Scott Turner and Bentley issuing separate statements.
"This is a huge loss for District Five, but we're extremely happy for Coach Bentley," read Turner’s statement.
"He has served this district for many years as a quality coach, an excellent role model, and a champion for kids. He's involved in every aspect of their lives, not just on the playing field, but in the classroom, in church, and in the community. We'll miss him greatly," Turner said.
Bentley’s statement read:
"As a 4th grader in Mrs Linda Corne's class at Duncan Elementary School, I dreamed that I was going to be the football coach at Byrnes High School. After 22 years of teaching and coaching at Byrnes, I can truly say that I have been blessed beyond measure. Growing up wanting to be a Rebel and helping build a program that is known nationally was a dream.Last week the Byrnes program was labeled the 6th best "Dynastyin America by Rivals.
"Thanks to a bold administration for taking a chance and hiring me years ago. As a 25 year old head coach in 1995, to say we struggled would be an understatement. In 1995 we scored 9 TDs in a season – we passed for 9 TDs in one game this year! We have come a long way because of people believing and following a dream. We started the youth program with one sport and 120 players. Now we have 11 sports in D5 SAC and over 1000 athletes.
"Thanks to the District Five administration, school board, Rebel TD Club, and the entire community for embracing the plan to build the brand of Rebel Football. We have made a tremendous impact on many young people. Over 130 players have earned a college education as a direct result of the program. At least 60 players have made professions of faith over the years and nearly every four year player has graduated from high school.
"I will be joining the football staff at Auburn University as an offensive analyst working with the quarterbacks. It will be an honor to work with the SEC Champions and work alongside Coach Gus Malzahn. Coach Malzahn is a Godly leader and the opportunity was too good to turn down. It is my hope that one young person will be motivated by this story and realize you can achieve your goals with hard work, faith in God and believing in your dreams."
Bentley reportedly turned down Malzahn’s offer to join the Auburn staff in Dec. 2012. Bentley, reportedly wanted to coach his son Shuler, through his senior season at Byrnes. Shuler signed with Old Dominion University.
Malzahn, according to Alabama news reports, said he wanted to hire current high coaches to fill at least some of the five openings on his support staff. "I think it's very important, the fact that I've been a high school (coach) and I got this opportunity, to try to give other people more opportunities," Malzahn said. "Hopefully that'll be a trend in the future."
Five Malzahn’s staff members were hired away after last year’s season. Pogue, the former director of high school operations, became cornerbacks coach at Troy. Four analysts and former prep coaches also took other jobs including Dell McGee (Georgia Southern), Chip Lindsey (Southern Miss), Brandon Hall (Jacksonville State) and Wes Murphy (Virginia Union).
Bentley was 119-54 over two separate head coaching stints at Byrnes (1995-2006 and 2013), including compiling a record of 57-2 while winning four South Carolina state championships in consecutive years between 2002-05.
Bentley served as head coach at Presbyterian College from 2007-08 before moving back to Byrnes as athletic director and offensive coordinator (2009-12). When Chris Miller left to coach Spartanburg High School, Bentley was rehired as head football coach.