TIFTON — Tift County Schools is pleased to announce the addition of Charles Burkett as the new head coach for the Tift County High School boys basketball team, effective May 1, 2025.

Burkett brings more than 20 years of championship-level coaching experience and a strong record of student-athlete development to the Blue Devils. Most recently, he served as head coach at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, where he led the Red Devils to several winning seasons, including a 28-4 finish and a Class 7A state semifinal appearance in 2024-2025. Prior to that, he guided Hoover High School to the 2015 Class 7A state championship. Under his leadership, teams have consistently achieved success with multiple Final Four appearances, area titles, and deep playoff runs.

“Coach Burkett is a proven leader with a strong vision for building a winning culture both on and off the court,” said Tift County Athletic Director Chris Martin. “His experience and passion for developing student-athletes make him a perfect fit for Tift County. We’re excited to welcome him to Blue Devil Nation.”

Besides his stints at Hoover and Central, Burkett has coached at Saks and Athens in Alabama, and at his alma mater, Jacksonville State.

Burkett played at Jacksonville State, where he won two Gulf South Conference championships. He scored 1,300 points and was GSC Player of the Year and NCAA All-American. Jacksonville State inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2013. Beyond college, Burkett played internationally all over Europe, and in the Dominican Republic.

Burkett succeeds Tommy Blackshear in the role. Blackshear, who had two stints with the Blue Devils and won a state championship in 1996, has retired after 40 years of coaching.