Buckner takes over football program at Knox Central

After four seasons of tutelage at Corbin High School under Justin Haddix and Tom Greer, Dustin Buckner is taking over as the head football coach at rival Knox Central High School.

Buckner, who had served as an assistant at Corbin since January 2018, was announced as the new head coach of the Panthers on Monday.

“After our interview committee reviewed multiple applications and conducted several interviews, Coach Buckner was the stand-out for what we expect of the Panther football program,” said Jeff Canady, Athletic Director at Knox Central.

Corbin Head Coach Tom Greer said Buckner coached the receivers as part of the Redhounds’ staff.

“This is a good opportunity for him as he is an extremely hard worker,” Greer said.

Prior to his time at Corbin, Buckner spent three years as head coach at Jellico High School.

He has also served as an assistant at South Laurel High School and a graduate assistant wide receiver coach at the University of the Cumberlands.

“My family and I are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to us to lead the Knox Central football program,” Buckner said on Monday.

Buckner will return to Campbell Field on Oct. 7 when the Redhounds host the Panthers in the teams’ annual district matchup.

Knox Central last defeated Corbin on Oct. 23, 2015, by a score of 36-0. The Redhounds are on an eight-game winning streak over the Panthers including playoffs wins in 2019 and 2020.