Mountain Grove didn’t have to go far in its search for a new head football coach as athletic direction and Grove alum Brandon Rodgers will take over as head coach this fall.
“I am a graduate of Mountain Grove High School. I played football, basketball and baseball here. This is my hometown and I have lived here my whole life,” Rodgers said. “Coaching football is my passion and what I always wanted to do. I was surprised with the opportunity, but very thankful and excited for it.”
He replaces Rich Adkins who left for the head coaching position at Hollister earlier this year.
Rodgers got his start coaching under current West Plains coach Steve Ary in 2005 when Ary was the head coach at Mountain Grove. He also spent time under former Panther coaches Rich Johnson and David Stuckey as an assistant.
The new Panther coach has experienced many different coaching philosophies in his time as an assistant, which will help him mold his schemes heading into the summer and fall.
“I have been with different coaches who had different ideas and systems and I liked all of them. It will be basically what fits the kids the best offensively and defensively,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers will be tasked with upholding a proud Mountain Grove football tradition. The program is 58-15 with five 10-win seasons over the last six years with six consecutive appearances in district championship games.
“I think any job there is pressure when you are the head coach. I am very excited to take over for a school that puts football where they do. Football is very important here, as are all the sports,” Rodgers said. “The community and town are very excited about their football team. We plan on putting a good one out there and continuing with a lot of success.”
