Bill Whittemore resigns as Franklin Road Academy football coach after 10 seasons

Former Brentwood and Kansas quarterback Bill Whittemore has resigned as Franklin Road Academy football coach after 10 seasons.

Whittemore's decision comes after a 4-7 season. He went 56-56 in his tenure which was highlighted by an 11-1 season in 2015 and an 8-5 mark in 2018 when the Panthers reached the Division II-AA state semifinals.

Whittemore, who was the Class 5A Mr. Football Back of the Year in 1998 while at Brentwood, coached current Georgia defensive lineman Tymon Mitchell among others while at the Nashville private school.

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"It has been a privilege to lead these young men and this program for the past 10 years," Whittemore said in a school release. "The journey has been filled with countless joyful interactions with all involved in the FRA community. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to watch the program grow as FRA continues to live out its mission.”

Whittemore will remain at the school in the FRA admissions office. The school has elevated associated head coach Ed Sanders as the interim head coach while the school begins a search process.

Sanders is a former Tennessee State defensive coordinator and joined the staff last season.

Athletic director Kris Palmerton will lead the search to find FRA's next coach along with former NFL players Matt Cassel, Chris Spencer and assistant head for external affairs Ryan Harris. The group will consist of several individuals with extensive professional football experience and a clear understanding of the FRA mission.

Whittemore was praised by FRA Head of School Sean Casey for his ability to mentor on and off the field.

“He has had a huge impact on the lives of our students, including my own son," Casey said. "I am grateful for how he has represented FRA, and I look forward to his continued involvement with our school community.

"He is a man of integrity and faith, and I am thankful for his dedication to our community and the mission of our school.”

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Franklin Road Academy football: Bill Whittemore resigns, 10 seasons