Ken Bailey, born on August 30, 1932, embarked on a distinguished career contributing significantly to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) before being honored with induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2009. Bailey's journey in education and coaching began in 1953 at Baileyton Elementary School, where he guided both boys and girls basketball teams until 1955. He then transitioned to Bulls Gap High School, where his influence expanded over two decades from 1955 to 1975, leading boys basketball and baseball teams.

In 1975, Bailey's career took a turn towards administrative roles starting as an assistant principal and coach at North Greene High School until 1983. During this time, he continued to impact the athletic community by coaching both boys and girls basketball and softball. Bailey furthered his contribution to education by serving as the principal of Baileyton Elementary School for 12 years, from 1983 to 1995, before taking the helm as the Director of Schools for Rutherford County Schools in 2003, a role he held at the time of his Hall of Fame induction.

Throughout his coaching career, Bailey accumulated notable achievements on the basketball court. He won 338 basketball games at a time when only one classification existed, achieved three seasons with over 30 wins, and led his teams to 40 consecutive district basketball victories. Under Bailey's guidance, Bulls Gap High School secured five District Championships, made 11 appearances in the Region Tournament, and participated in the TSSAA State Basketball Tournament during the 1966-67 season. Moreover, his teams triumphed in the Morristown Invitational Tournament three consecutive times from 1965 to 1968, competing against much larger schools. Bailey was also named the Appalachian Conference Coach of the Year for the 1980-81 season.

Beyond his coaching and administrative contributions, Bailey served his community as an alderman for Baileyton, TN. Even after retiring in 1995, his passion for coaching endured, leading him to coach the Baileyton Elementary School 5th and 6th-grade team in 2007-2008. Ken Bailey's enduring legacy is marked by his significant contributions to TSSAA and his unwavering commitment to fostering young athletes and education in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2009
Category: Coach