Hazen Hires State Champion Coach Clay Totty to Lead Football Program
Hazen has hired veteran coach Clay Totty as its new head football coach, the school board approved during its meeting Tuesday night.
Totty replaces Joe Besancon, who recently left Hazen to become the head coach at Barton High School.
One of the most accomplished coaches in Arkansas high school football, Totty brings more than two decades of experience to the Hornets program. He spent the past three seasons at Wynne High School after leaving Rison following the 2023 season.
During his tenure at Wynne, Totty compiled a 15-16-1 record and led the Yellowjackets to two playoff appearances.
Totty made a name for himself early in his career during the 2000 season, when his Rison Wildcats defeated an undefeated Shiloh Christian team in overtime to win the Class 2A state championship. The Saints were coached by legendary coach Gus Malzahn.
Totty is best known for his success at Rison, where he built one of the state’s most consistent programs. Over 25 seasons, he posted a 242-65-1 record, winning two state championships and 11 conference titles. His teams also reached an additional state championship game.
Totty now takes over a Hazen program looking to build a powerhouse program.
With his track record of success, Totty is expected to bring experience and stability to the Hazen sideline as the program prepares for the upcoming season.