NATCHEZ — Franklin County High school has turned to a familiar face to coach its football program.

The Franklin County School Board announced in a press release Tuesday the hiring of Anthony Hart to lead the Bulldogs on the gridiron.

“Our district wanted a winning football coach with strong character, a vision for our football program and a history of winning football,” Franklin County Superintendent of Education Ray Carlock said in the statement. “We hired a winner both on the field and in the classroom.”

Hart previously coached at Franklin County in the early 2000s, compiling a 29-8 record overall. He was The Natchez Democrat’s 2004 All-Metro Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to a 12-2 record that season.

“It feels good,” Hart said of returning to Franklin County. I’ve had some opportunities over the last few years (to coach), but nothing really felt like it was a fit. Franklin County is a place where I felt like there was a fit.”

Hart is currently the athletic director at Lafeyette County High School. He was also the head football coach when Lafeyette won back-to-back state championships in MHSAA Class 4A in 2010 and 2011, guiding Lafayette to undefeated seasons both years.

“You have to be in a situation where your school wants to be good,” Hart said of his previous success. “That’s a major key. Plus, you have to have good football players to win a championship, and finally, you have to have a strong coaching staff. I’ve been fortunate to have had that.”

Hart said his goal is to build a solid program at Franklin County that wins consistently, without extreme highs and lows from season to season.

“It’s not like I’m stepping into a program that’s been at the bottom,” Hart said. “It’s been consistent over the years as far as being successful.”

Though he knows Bulldog fans will be expecting a lot of wins, Hart said he feels no pressure taking a job with high expectations.

“I feel confident when you try to do things right and consistently, that will take care of itself,” Hart said.

Normally known for its strong running game, Hart said the personnel would dictate the type of offense he runs.

“I’ve done it both ways,” Hart said. “There were so many years at Lafayette where we were aggressive offensively, because we had the personnel to do it with.”

Though he plans to be at Franklin County for spring practice, Hart said he feels committed to finishing out the school year as athletic director at Lafayette.

“Every chance I can get to come down to Franklin County, I will,” Hart said.

Hart replaces Jim Nowell, who was fired before the Bulldogs played a game this fall. Interim head coach Chris Calcote led Franklin County to a 6-5 record and a first-round playoff berth after Nowell was let go.