RIPLEY – Chad Cook has been named the new head football coach at Ripley High School, pending South Tippah School Board approval, according to Ripley principal Jeff Palmer.

The board meets March 19.

Reached for comment Friday, Cook said he would prefer to wait until after the board approved his hiring.

Cook, 33, spent the last five seasons as head coach of Shannon High School. He replaces Grady McCluskey, who last month announced he would not return to Ripley after two seasons.

“We felt like we had some really good applicants at the end, however, Coach Cook really distinguished himself throughout the process,” Palmer said. “I believe he is a great fit for Ripley High School.”

In 2010, Cook was named the Daily Journal’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Red Raiders to a 10-4 record and a berth in the 4A state quarterfinals. At Shannon, he compiled a 48-16 overall record – 22-5 in Division 1-4A play – and five consecutive post season berths.

This will be the second coach in three seasons at the 3A school. In 2010, the perennial playoff team, missed the post-season after 11 consecutive berths. Last season, the Tigers returned to the playoffs, falling to Winona in the first round. Ripley finished 4-7 in 2011.

Cook attended Ole Miss, where he played four years for former coach Tommy Tuberville.

Contributing: Gene Phelps