By Jason Avery
News-Times Staff
When Smackover kicks off the 2018 football season, it will do so with its third coach in as many seasons.
After one season with the Bucks, Mike Baysinger is departing Smackover to become the head football coach and athletic director at Queen City High School in Texas.
"We're kind of heading back home," Baysinger said. "We're going to be about 45 minutes away from grandparents. That's the reason."
Baysinger's lone season with the Bucks was a successful one.
The Bucks posted a 7-5 record that included a 49-28 win over Lamar in the opening round of the playoffs before Smackover fell just short at top-seeded Mayflower in the second round.
Although his tenure was short, Baysinger had nothing but high praise for Smackover.
"The community, the kids, the coaches and the administration were phenomenal to me and my family," Baysinger said. "They've been very supportive of everything we've done."
Smackover-Norphlet School District Superintendent Dave Wilcox lauded Baysinger's work with the Bucks.
"I wish coach Baysinger and his family the very best of luck," Wilcox said. "He did an outstanding job for us here. I have nothing but good things to say about him."
As far as finding Baysinger's successor is concerned, Wilcox said the school will be diligent in its search.
"It will be as soon as possible once we can do a thorough search and try to get the best applicant," Wilcox said.