Bert Newton is returning to Hartselle as defensive coordinator and associate head coach after leaving the program for Vestavia Hills this past season.

Newton will be replacing Buddy Pell, who left to return to Mountain Brook, where he played and graduated.

Newton left Hartselle to join Sean Calhoun’s staff at Vestavia Hills after coaching the Tigers for four seasons.

“Bert Newton is the best I’ve ever been around,” said Hartselle Coach Bryan Moore. “He has been so much more than just a defensive coordinator for Hartselle and for me personally. I have learned a tremendous amount from him. Our players and coaches will be glad to have him back.”