Jordan Taylor, Sports731 Network Reporter
Clay McMackins has been named the next Head Football Coach at Hollow Rock-Bruceton High School. McMackins, originally from Chattanooga, accepts his first head coaching job after being the program’s offensive coordinator this past season.
After injuries sidelined him for most of his college career at Emory & Henry College, he decided to pursue coaching. He spent time coaching at his alma mater for five seasons, then accepted a job as the tight ends and special teams coach at Fairmont State University. After the lone season at Fairmont State, McMackins took some time away from coaching before accepting the offensive coordinator job at Bruceton this past season. Relationships that were built through football led to the connection to bring McMackins to Bruceton.
Although McMackins has never been a head coach, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the job with several high-profile coaches that have helped guide him in his coaching career. “I’ve been fortunate enough to coach under some great head coaches that helped pave the way for me. Curt Newsome, the current head coach at Emory & Henry and Timmy Chang the current head coach at the University of Hawaii to name a couple,” McMackins stated.
He believes those relationships will help him overcome some of the obstacles of being a young head coach.
McMackins says his teams will play tough and bring the best they can to the field every Friday night. “Being a small school there are challenges, but we’re hoping to create that mentality of you really don’t want to play us,” McMackins stated.
Fans can expect to see a spread style offense for Bruceton this Fall, as McMackins has primarily built his coaching style around that philosophy.
McMackins spoke highly of the community and the family environment as part of the reason he wanted to take the job. “The community support here is incredible even outside of football. My wife and I are expecting a baby girl any time now and the amount of people who have stopped just to check on us and wish us well has been overwhelming. This is just a great place to work and raise a family,” McMackins stated.
Currently, McMackins is still working to fill his coaching staff as they continue winter workouts before getting ready for spring practice and scrimmages. Hollow Rock-Bruceton will open their season on August 18th at home against Stewart County. Kickoff is set for 7pm.
