Brandon Hopkins began his new job officially Sunday, but it didn’t even cross his mind.

“I didn’t think about it, but I guess it is official,” Hopkins said Monday.

Hopkins was hired by the Boyd School Board to take over as athletic director and head coach for J.G. Cartwright, who officially retired June 30. Cartwright had been with the district since 1974 and served as head coach since 1977.

Hopkins, a 1992 Boyd graduate who has worked for the district the past 15 years, has been carrying out many of the athletic director duties since being named to the role in February.

He is still working to fill out his coaching staff, but he did announce his plans for defensive coordinator. Phillip Thornton will lead the unit and be assisted by Dwayne Gardner.

“Coach Gardner will help him, but Thornton will have the final say on the calls,” Hopkins said. “The kids respond to him. He’s a good fit.”

Hopkins said he is still looking for a coach to help on the offensive side of the ball. Hopkins, who has been the Yellowjackets’ offensive coordinator for the past 10 seasons, will continue calling the offense.

On the girls’ staff, Britney Helton will move from the middle school to assist with basketball, volleyball and track at the high school.