Brian Gwyn new football coach at Brainerd

The first qualification for becoming Brainerd High School's new football coach had nothing to do with on-field resume. From a lengthy list of qualified coaches, Brainerd's administration has chosen Dr. Brian Gwyn to direct the Panthers.

"The first thing that stood out to us is his academic background," Brainerd athletic director Levar Brown said. "With our schools facing so many academic issues, we wanted someone who would be a great teacher as well as coach. We're excited about what Dr. Gwyn will bring to our school and our program."

Gwyn played football at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the early 1990s and has taught at both the college and high school level, mostly in Georgia. He coached at Carver High in Atlanta, where more than 20 former players signed college scholarships, and also at Georgia high schools Stockbridge, Columbia in Decatur and Morrow. He also taught at Morehouse College, Morris Brown College and South Atlanta Education Complex.

Brown said Gwyn will teach advanced placement English at Brainerd. He takes over as coach for Stanley Jackson, who had the job the last two seasons.

"It's rare to find a head coach who can teach advanced English," Brown said. "He brings a lot of positives to our school and our football program."

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.

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