John Hooper embarked on a distinguished career in education and coaching that spanned over three decades, beginning in 1952 and concluding in 1987, with a career marked by significant contributions to the TSSAA and high school sports in Tennessee. His journey started at Bolivar Central High School (1952-1954), continued through Haywood High School (1955-1970), Old Hickory Academy (1971-1975), Savannah Central (1977-1978), and eventually at Chester County High School (1983-1987). Over these years, Hooper's dedication to coaching football led to an impressive record of 130 wins, 17 losses, and 3 draws.

Hooper's coaching prowess was unmistakable with his teams attending 10 consecutive postseason bowl games, achieving five undefeated seasons, and claiming six Big Ten Conference Championships. His leadership also saw his teams being ranked within the state’s top 10 for 14 straight seasons. Notably, his Bolivar Central squad's ranking marked the school's inaugural appearance in the Top 20 poll in Tennessee. While at Haywood, he was instrumental in fostering talent, with 46 of his players receiving college scholarships, 22 making the all-state team, and coaching seven high school All-Americans. The zenith of his coaching career at Haywood was when his 1969 team was ranked #12 in the nation.

Hooper's service to the TSSAA was highlighted during his involvement in the 1969 TSSAA All-Star Football Game and numerous coaching clinics, including those organized by the TSSAA itself. His accolades include four Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year awards (1957, 1964, 1968, 1969) and being named the District 4 Football Coach of the Year in 1971 by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association.

In recognition of his lasting impact on high school sports and his unwavering service to the TSSAA, John Hooper was inducted into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 1998. This honor, bestowed posthumously, celebrated not only his coaching achievements and contributions to the TSSAA but also his role in shaping young athletes' lives and careers in Tennessee. His legacy continued to be honored through various hall of fame inductions and the renaming of the Brownsville High School football stadium to the "John B. Hooper Memorial Stadium" shortly after his passing on April 18, 1998.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1998
Category: Coach