John Elmore.
Former Greenbrier High School defensive coordinator John Thomas Elmore was introduced as the new head coach of the Bobcats football team Wednesday.
“I’m thrilled to finally have the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do since I was in the seventh grade,” Elmore said. “I’ve lived here, gone to school here at Greenbrier, played football here and have coached here for the last 18 years.
“This was a job I’ve dreamed about since I was in the seventh grade and can’t wait to get everything going.”
Elmore brings 25 years of coaching experience with him. He spent his first years of coaching at East Robertson as offensive and defensive line coach from 1991-97. He came to Greenbrier in 1998 and served in the same role until 2010 when he was named as the defensive coordinator.
Not much will change as far as offensive or defensive schemes go, according to Elmore.
The team will still be based out of the Wing T on offense and run a 4-3 on the defensive side of the ball.
Because Elmore was promoted to the head coaching position, Darrel Sweeney will now take over as the defensive coordinator and Stetson Dickerson will remain as the offensive coordinator.
“Our staff has been together for a long time, and to be honest, we’re more of a family than a coaching staff,” Elmore said. “I know that a lot of people say that, but that’s the way we view things and our players are just like our kids.”
Elmore will be running his first spring practice in the last week of April. Because the Bobcats have four 4-A teams on their schedule again this season, along with their already-tough Region 5-3A schedule, he said getting a lot accomplished during that time will be vital.
“We’re already working in the weight room and working on our conditioning, but the work on the field in the spring will be vital to our success this season,” Elmore said. “We want to get all that work in and be peaking by our first game with Springfield.”
Greenbrier Principal Dr. Katie Osborne said that Elmore’s 25 years of experience made him a perfect fit for the head coaching position.
“Coach Elmore is known for his integrity and high expectations for the football program and student athletes,” Osborne said. “He is well-aware of the responsibilities as a head football coach and we are confident he can lead the football team to success in the future.”