Mike Woodward will be returning to the Antioch High School sidelines.
Mike Woodward, who spent seven seasons at Antioch, will be returning to coach the Bears in 2016.
After three seasons away from the program — two spent as head coach at Brentwood (2013-14), followed by one as an assistant at Overton (2015) — Woodward has been hired to lead the struggling Bears football program, replacing former coach Calvin Hall, who was relieved of his duties last month.
“It’s very exciting,” said Woodward, who compiled a 38-39 record during his first tenure as head coach at Antioch (2006-12). “It hasn’t been too long, but I’m excited to get back. I really like the leadership over there, and I’m excited about getting back and working with the kids. I can’t wait to get started.”
Woodward, who struggled to a 5-15 record in his two seasons in charge at Brentwood, will certainly face a rebuilding job at Antioch, which struggled to an 0-11 record a season ago. However, dwelling on the past isn’t in Woodward’s game plan.
“We’re not even going to address last year because that was last year and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Woodward said. “What I expect, and what I’ve always done, is just rolling up our sleeves and working.”
“We’re going to hold the kids to high expectations on the field, in the classroom and in the community, teach them about work ethic and working together, and create a family atmosphere in the program,” he added. “I think if we get those things done, in the past that has always translated into success on the field.”
Woodward, who will be formally introduced as the school’s head coach on Friday, said that the Bears will begin spring practice on May 2.
Reach Michael Murphy at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.
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