Marietta head coach Scott Burton gave Bell a ringing endorsement despite the fact that he served as an assistant coach under him for only one season.

Burton said he’s known Bell and his family for 15 years, dating back to when each of them were living in Virginia.

“I think the Oak Mountain community is getting a true gentleman,” Burton said. “He is a family man and a man of faith.”

Burton said Bell is a “top-shelf” football coach.

“He’s obviously a very driven and very knowledgeable coach,” Burton said. “He has a unique ability to establish a very meaningful relationship with his players.”

Bell received his Bachelor’s degree in history from Hampden-Sydney College, where he was a three-year starting linebacker. Bell helped lead the Tigers to the 1987 ODAC Championship.

Bell and his wife of 21 years, Kim, have three daughters, Haden, Pearson and Evie, and one son, Reese. Haden is a freshman at the University of Alabama.

Lifestyles Editor Katie McDowell contributed to this report.