MEADVILLE — For Trent Hammond, his next stop will be as a Franklin County Bulldog. Hammond was officially announced as the Bulldogs new head football coach Tuesday night.

He takes over for Grady McCluskey, who left Franklin High last month for a coaching job at Columbus.

“I’m very excited about coming to Franklin County,” said Hammond. “This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”

Hammond, a Monticello native, comes to Franklin County after serving four years as head coach at Water Valley.

He was head coach at Lawrence County from 2001-2003.

He was named the head coach by the Franklin County school board Tuesday night after a lengthy month-long search that included 32 applicants applying for the job.

“Trent comes here highly recommended,” said Franklin County athletic director Johnny Monroe. “He will be taking over our program pretty much the same way he took over Lawrence County when he was there, two years removed from winning a state championship.”

Hammond served as an assistant coach at Lawrence County in 1999 when the Cougars won the State Championship.

He was also an assistant coach on the McComb Tigers State Championship football squad in 2000.

“He’s a hard nosed coach with a lot of experience,” said Franklin High principal M.D. Bilbo. “He’s a good fit for our program.”

The Bulldogs went 12-3 last season losing to Louisville in the 3A State Championship game. Franklin County won the 3A crown in 2006, going 14-1.

“I know I’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I’m ready to get on a roll,” said Hammond. “This is a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to meeting my new coaching staff and players.”

Hammond will be on campus Thursday and Friday meeting with Franklin County coaches and players. He will coach the Bulldogs in the 2008 Cellular South Jamboree in May.

“I’m really looking forward to everything,” added Hammond. “Franklin County is a place that always has potential and good athletes. I can’t wait to get started.”