Marcus Butler announced as associate head basketball coach

(Humboldt, TN, October 31, 2025) – Athletic Director George Yarbro announced today the promotion of Marcus Butler as Associate Head Basketball Coach for Humboldt Senior High Basketball for the 2025/2026 season.

As the district looks ahead in preparation for the 2026/2027 basketball season, this promotion positions Coach Butler to assume the helm from long-time coach Ronald Abernathy who has dedicated over 12 years as head coach for the Humboldt Vikings. Butler was recruited by and has been under the tutelage of Coach Abernathy his entire tenure at Humboldt. The coaches together have guided their teams to multiple district, regional and sub-state championships as well as four state tournament appearances. Coach Abernathy will continue to mentor and provide guidance to Butler for the upcoming season as he prepares to hand over the reins for the 2026/2027 season knowing the team is in excellent hands.

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Associate Head Basketball Coach,” Butler stated. “I plan to continue working alongside our student-athletes, staff, and community as we continue to build upon the proud tradition of excellence established here. With the community’s support, our focus will remain on hard work, discipline, and continuing the legacy of success set by Coach Boykin and Coach Abernathy.”

Butler is a graduate of North Side High School where he was a four-year member of the basketball team. He continued his basketball career at Crichton College in Memphis for three years before transferring to Lane College for his fourth year and earning his degree in Mathematics. Butler began his coaching career assisting the basketball program at North Side and later transitioned to Humboldt Jr. Sr. High School as both teacher and assistant boys’ basketball coach. Butler currently teaches Geometry at HJSHS.

Yarbro stated, “Over the past twelve years, Humboldt has been privileged to have a coach of legendary caliber leading its basketball program, Coach Ron Abernathy. Coach Abernathy has brought a comprehensive and dynamic coaching philosophy to Humboldt Athletics, characterized by his deep knowledge of the game, extensive multi-level coaching experience, and consistent record of success. Coach Marcus Butler, a protégé of Coach Abernathy, has greatly benefited from his mentorship and the values instilled through his leadership. Humboldt City Schools is fortunate to have such a qualified and dedicated individual as Coach Butler, who has served under Coach Abernathy and is well-positioned to continue advancing the proud tradition of excellence within Humboldt Athletics.”

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