Staff report

Salisbury High announced the hiring of Brian Hinson as the new head football coach on Thursday.

Hinson has served as Catawba College’s offensive line coach since 2010.

Hinson came to Catawba after a fine playing career at East Montgomery High and was a standout for the Indians. A four-year starter, he won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the South Atlantic Conference in 1999. He was a two-time All-American.

Hinson graduated from Catawba with a degree in physical education in 2000. He was an assistant coach at North Rowan High for two years. Then he went to Coastal Carolina University as a graduate assistant coach under head coach David Bennett. He earned a master’s degree in elementary education while he was at Coastal Carolina.

Hinson returned to Rowan County as East Rowan’s offensive line coach in 2005-06. He was elevated to head coach at East in 2007, coaching three seasons. Hinson’s record was 17-19, but that included a 1-10. Two of his three East teams were strong. The 2007 Mustangs went 7-5, while the 2009 team was 9-4 and won a 3A state playoff game.

Hinson moved over to Catawba after that successful season where he worked under head coaches Chip Hester, and since 2013, Curtis Walker.

Principal Luke Brown said in a statement that “Hinson stood above and beyond all others after an extensive search with many highly qualified candidates.”

Brown said Hinson will be teaching on campus this semester and will be meeting with players. Hinson is taking control of the football program immediately.

Hinson follows Ryan Crowder, who resigned in January after four seasons as head coach.

A full story on Hinson is upcoming.