From the Bench: Deadline Looming as Championship BHS Program Seeking Varsity Coaching Candidates
By Jeff Toquinto on May 10, 2026 from Sports Blog
It happens, but it is not the norm. However, a Bridgeport High School varsity coaching position that has a state championship to its credit from 2013 is currently open.
And anyone interested has until 11:59 p.m. May 13 to apply.
Bridgeport High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears Confirmed that Josh Ashby stepped down as the head coach of 
the Indians girls basketball program.
the Indians girls basketball program.
“His resignation was approved at the (Tuesday, May 5) meeting of the Harrison County Board of Education,” Sears said. “The position is open, and the job is currently posted.”
Before getting into what is next for the Tribe program, Sears had some incredibly positive parting words for Ashby. And for anyone who does not understand the situation in which Ashby arrives, at a minimum, he deserves credit for taking the spot.
Ashby was hired Dec. 5, 2023, during another BOE meeting. If that date sounds a bit late for the hiring of a coach for a winter sport, your thought process is not wrong.
That season, Bridgeport played its season opener at Greenbrier East, a 73-53 loss, before Ashby was even hired. Doesn’t make a lot of sense, but there is a reason for it.
Prior to Ashby’s late hire, the previous coach, Chelsea Holcomb, received an offer to become assistant principal and athletic director at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Lewis County. Although Holcomb struggled with the decision to step down from the basketball position (as well as the girls softball post), she knew it was the right thing to do. The BHS administration understood Holcomb’s decision was the correct one.
With that came a Nov. 2 resignation, a job posting, interviews, and an official hiring process that took about a month. Although not usually 
an issue with that period, with practice and the season starting, it created a bit of an issue until Ashby stepped up.
an issue with that period, with practice and the season starting, it created a bit of an issue until Ashby stepped up.
“Chelsea’s resignation was abrupt, but understandable when she moved to administration. It put is in a difficult position,” said Sears. “Coach Ashby jumped in and we’re grateful for his willingness to take on a challenge most would not want to face.
“I also want to say we’re thankful for Coach Ashby’s time here,” Sears continued. “He was one of the nicest individuals to coach here.”
Like when Holcomb stepped away, the job was posted almost immediately. Unlike when Holcomb stepped away, Sears expects plenty of candidates to put their names into the BHS girls basketball hat.
“Honestly, there’s a lot of buzz around the position,” said Sears. “I think that would have been the case the last time, but with the season already having started if you have had a candidate who had their eye on coming to Bridgeport they more than likely decided leaving a program just to go to another would not be a good look. Because of that, there were probably candidates who simply did not apply.
“We don’t expect that to be the case because timing is not an issue and the season is months away,” Sears continued. “I fully expect there to be a good number of candidates.”
Sears is encouraging those interested in building the program back up to its past level, and with a long-term commitment, to apply. And if 
they have questions, contact him (email will be listed below).
they have questions, contact him (email will be listed below).
However, he did say there are expectations.
“What we want is the girls basketball program to excel at a cultural level. Culture creates what is necessary for a successful program, which you see in a lot of our sports teams here,” Sears said. “We’re also looking for someone with a vast amount of basketball knowledge who can also lead our young ladies toward success.”
Sears said the person hired will be expected to build up to a winning program and culture.
“At Bridgeport High School, we always think big,” he said. “It is super important to think of the bigger picture and to chase success by building the foundation that allows that success to be ongoing. That is what we are aiming for.”
If you think you have what it takes, Sears is ready to see your application. He is always willing to respond to anything a potential future coach may have a question as it relates to coaching the girls or being a coach at Bridgeport High School.
Contact him via email at thomas.sears@k12.wv.us. You have a few days to get involved in a situation that Sears and the BHS faithful hopes to prove successful for years to come.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Coach Josh Ashby in his first game in December of 2023. Second photo is of BHS Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Tom Sears in Charleston at a state tournament game, while the bottom photo is of the vacant BHS gymnasium that will soon have a new girls head coach.
