Gill Gideon could easily have quit while he was ahead. He could have stayed on as coach and athletic administrator at high schools in Lexington and Jackson, where he had already built a successful career. In thirteen years, his football teams were 78-28-5, and his boys’ basketball teams advanced to the state tournament three times. By all accounts, an impressive record. Gideon, however, did not stop there. After leaving coaching and athletic administration, he served the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) for more than twenty years, the last fifteen as its executive director, before retiring in 1986. A number of positive changes occurred during Gideon’s years with the TSSAA, such as the implementation of the state football playoff system and the beginning of the TSSAA Hall of Fame. During his term, participation in state competition more than quadrupled, and sports opportunities for girls expanded tremendously. Capping off a great career in 1986, Gideon received various honors, including the National Distinguished Service Award from the National High School Coaches Association. That same year, Gideon was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. Some contributions occur on the field, while others, no less significant, happen behind the scenes. Gill Gideon deserves praise for his excellent work as a friend to sports in the great state of Tennessee.
