From press release with added details by Noah McKay:
PUTNAM COUNTY, TENN. – Derek Bush has been named the new baseball head coach at Cookeville High School.
“Coach Bush comes to CHS with wonderful baseball knowledge and great enthusiasm,” said CHS Athletic Director Adam Kefauver. “As a CHS baseball alum and active member of the Cookeville community, I feel that Coach Bush will not only be a leader to these boys, but a great ambassador for Cookeville High School. His commitment and passion for the game paired with his love of CHS, is a winning combination that will strengthen our baseball program and our school.”
A former Cavalier baseball and football player and graduate of CHS, Bush is excited to return to his alma mater.
“I played here and had family members play here, so this means a lot to me,” said Bush. “This is my dream job. I’ve always held this position in high regard and I’m just blessed I get to do this.”
After wrapping up his prep career at CHS, Bush continued his education and baseball career at Freed Hardeman University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2010.
After his playing career was over, he began a coaching career that included being an assistant at Jackson County, Livingston Academy, Smith County, Oakland, and CHS. He has served as the head coach at Smith County High School since 2021.
Bush led the Owls to an 18-10 overall record in the 2023 season.
“I’ve taken a lot of information from many great coaches and now I can make it my own,” said Bush. “It will be challenging. There are high expectations and there should be. I’m looking forward to putting my mark on the program like so many who have come before me.”
Bush replaces Brent “Butch” Chaffin who resigned recently after a long and storied career at CHS. During his tenure, Chaffin collected 10 district championships, two region crowns, and a trip to the state tournament.
“I would like to express my appreciation for Butch Chaffin and his 25-plus years of dedication and commitment to Cookeville High School baseball,” said Kefauver. “The accomplishments and success of this program are due to his knowledge and commitment to the game and program.”
Bush and his wife, Brittany, have two children: Ella (6) and James (3).