Jeff Poston / photo courtesy of Dade County High School Looking for stability in the program, Dade County High School has promoted longtime assistant Jeff Poston to head football coach.
Poston, a 1992 Dade County graduate, has served in various roles with the program over the past seven seasons, including as assistant head coach the past two years. He also coached the middle school program for six years, including three as head coach.
"When it was all said and done, it was clear that the panel, and the community as a whole, wanted to find a coach that was going to put our players and community first," said Dade County principal James Fahrney. "He's a coach that already had the respect of players and parents - a coach that has a proven track record of growing programs and pushing young people to excel."
As the wrestling coach, Poston helped guide six Wolverines to place in the state tournament recently, including three who won state titles.
Poston takes over the program for Dale Pruitt, who resigned after just one season to take over at Marion County in late January.
"I am excited to have the opportunity to help the young mean at DCHS learn to believe in themselves and understand they are capable of success on the football field," Poston said. "I went to high school here and played sports here. I met my wife in this community, and we have raised four children who will have all attended Dade County schools from start to finish.
"Too many young men in our county have let the past failures of the football program set their ceiling. I am a believer that they can accomplish so much more if they are willing to put in the work. I am ready for the challenge and know the players are as well."
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293. Follow him on Twitter @StephenHargis.