Beddingfield Names Riley Hurdle as New Head Football Coach

Beddingfield High School is turning the page to a new chapter in its football program, hiring Riley Hurdle as its new head coach. Hurdle, who has spent the last several years at Tarboro High School as a varsity assistant and JV head coach, brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to the Bruins.

Hurdle has dedicated his career to developing young athletes both on and off the field. A 1997 graduate of the East Carolina University, he began coaching in Edgecombe County in 1997, taking on roles in football, basketball, and softball at West Edgecombe Middle School. He later moved to Wilson County, where he was the defensive cordinator in football at Forest Hills Middle School, helping to lay the groundwork for young athletes before they reached the high school level.

As his coaching career evolved, Hurdle took on greater responsibilities, serving as a defensive coach at Hunt High School while also coaching JV football. He also spent time as Hunt’s varsity softball coach, further solidifying his reputation as a coach who could develop talent across multiple sports.

After stepping away from Wilson County in 2009 to focus on his family, Hurdle returned to Tarboro High School, a program that has been synonymous with success in North Carolina high school football. He took over Martin Middle School’s football program, helping to develop the foundation for players who would go on to play at the varsity level. Over time, he worked his way up to Tarboro’s JV head coach and varsity assistant, playing a role in five state championships during his time with the Vikings.

"You can't even measure how much that experience helped me," Hurdle said. "Being part of five state championship teams, I learned so much—how to build a culture, how to develop players, and how to maintain success."

A Program in Transition

Beddingfield is coming off a 2-7 season, a sharp drop from the 7-5 campaign in 2022 that saw the Bruins make the playoffs. While the recent struggles are evident, Hurdle sees the opportunity to build something special at a school he already has deep ties to.

"Beddingfield reminds me a lot of Tarboro, just in Wilson," Hurdle said. "Demographically, socioeconomically, it’s very similar. I spent a lot of time teaching and coaching here in Wilson, and it’s a place I’ve always kept my eye on. When the opportunity came up, I knew it was one of the few jobs I’d want to take."

Hurdle’s focus isn’t solely on wins and losses but rather on establishing a culture that breeds success beyond the scoreboard.

"Beddingfield has the talent to be as good as the kids want to be," Hurdle said. "Winning is going to be a byproduct of the culture we establish. My goal is to develop not just football players, but leaders in the community, in the classroom, and in life. When you focus on building strong young men, the winning takes care of itself."

Establishing a New Identity

As the Bruins move forward, Hurdle plans to implement a tough, physical style of football, beginning with a double-tight power-run offense and a 4-4 base defense that can adjust as needed.

"We’re going to be a power-run team," Hurdle said. "We’ll mix in some different looks, but we’re going to be physical and disciplined. Defensively, we’re going to be aggressive, base out of a 4-4, and make adjustments depending on who we’re facing."

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Hurdle’s biggest challenge will be changing the mindset of the program. He knows it won’t happen overnight, but his approach is centered on getting kids to buy in, both on and off the field.

"The key is building relationships," Hurdle said. "It starts with trust. The young men have to trust me and the process we’re going to put in place. We’re going to be about accountability, discipline, and effort. Once that becomes the standard, the wins will follow."

One of his primary goals is to get more students involved in the program.

"There are athletes in the halls at Beddingfield," Hurdle said. "We need to get them on the field. Football is about numbers, and the more kids we have buying into the program, the more we can build the depth and competition that makes great teams."

Building a Staff and Moving Forward With the season still months away, Hurdle is actively working on assembling his coaching staff. He has been in discussions with multiple candidates but wants to make sure he gets the right group in place.

"I’d say I’m about 80% there in terms of finalizing my staff," Hurdle said. "I’ve got some great people interested, and I’m working closely with the administration to make sure we put the best staff together for these kids."

Looking Ahead

For Hurdle, this opportunity is more than just a coaching job—it’s a homecoming. His previous connections to Wilson County and his experience in championship-level football make him a strong fit for a program that has a history of winning.

"I’m just truly appreciative and humbled," Hurdle said. "I’m thankful for the opportunity at Beddingfield and for the trust they’ve placed in me. I’m also incredibly grateful to Tarboro and the relationships I’ve built there. I wouldn’t be in this position without them."

As he steps into his new role, Hurdle’s message is clear: Beddingfield football will be built on a foundation of discipline, accountability, and leadership. His focus isn’t just on immediate success but on creating a program that can sustain success for years to come.

"I want to build something special," Hurdle said. "This is a process, and it’s going to take time, but I believe in these kids and in this community. I know what Beddingfield football can be, and I’m ready to get to work."