Joe Gaddis's remarkable 48-year coaching career, spanned across seven different schools, culminating in a record that places him eighth among Tennessee's all-time winningest football coaches. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including a singular TSSAA A. F. Bridges District 2 Male Coach of the Year award, the distinction of being a two-time East Tennessee Coach of the Year, and a respected induction into the Tennessee Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Gaddis's influence also extended into his local community, earning him a place in the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame.

One of Gaddis's most notable contributions to high school football in Tennessee, and specifically to TSSAA, was his unparalleled record of being named District or Regional Coach of the Year 23 times. This remarkable feat underlines his consistency and excellence in coaching over decades. His career wins totaled 334-146, with an impressive 296 of those victories achieved within Tennessee, underscoring his significant impact on the state's high school football landscape.

Gaddis's talent for coaching was recognized beyond regional accolades, as he uniquely earned the title of Coach of the Year in East, Middle, and West Tennessee across three different decades and with three different teams: Tullahoma, Peabody and Oak Ridge. This achievement highlighted his adaptability and success across various settings and challenges within the state.

One of the pinnacle moments in his career was leading Oak Ridge High School to the 1991 TSSAA State Championship, a testimony to his skill and dedication as a coach. The team’s runner-up finish in 2020, just before his retirement from coaching, exemplified his ability to build competitive teams consistently. Despite retiring in 2021, Gaddis's continued service as an Athletic Director at Oak Ridge High School showcases his ongoing commitment to the development of student-athletes and the sporting community. His career, marked by a profound service to TSSAA, has rightfully earned him induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2024, celebrating a legacy that has left an indelible mark on Tennessee high school football.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2024
Category: Coach