Varsity and JV Coaching Staff
John Thompson, Varsity Football Head Coach // College Athletic Recruiting Coordinator
Years in teaching/coaching: Enters 2024-25 school year with 36 years experience. He was named the sixth head varsity football coach in Fellowship history on Jan. 13, 2023. Served as FCS defensive coordinator and linebackers coach under head coach Tim McFarlin for 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Family: Thompson has two sons: Cabe and Hays.
Career awards, accomplishment, highlights: A veteran coach with over 30 years of experience at the collegiate level, Thompson will serve dual roles as both defensive coordinator for the school's varsity football team and College Athletic Recruiting Coordinator for all Paladin athletes. Highly regarded among the football community as a top defensive mind, Thompson has served as defensive coordinator or co-coordinator at several SEC schools, including Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina and LSU.
Throughout his coaching career, he successfully graduated more than 40 of his defensive players from the collegiate level to the NFL.
In addition to his duties as head coach, Thompson will pull from his vast experience and connections at the collegiate level in his role as the College Athletic Recruiting Coordinator. In addition to his interest in helping Paladin athletes pursue sports beyond high school, he's thankful for the opportunity to influence their faith.
Jake Robertson, Varsity Football Defensive Coordinator
Years in teaching coaching: Enters 2024-25 with 10 years in coaching, including eight at FCS. Serves as staff coach of varsity boys lacrosse team.
Alma Mater: Bachelor of Arts in Educational Service, Birmingham Southern College, 2013. Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education), Kennesaw State.
Family: Married to Alexandra Robertson.
Career awards, accomplishments and highlights: Leads FCS' strength training and sports performance program. Serves as head staff coach for boys varsity lacrosse team. Spent three years as graduate assistant coach in college. Named to All conference Defensive Team at Birmingham Southern in 2011 and 2012. Played on BSC's Conference Championship team in 2012. Was part of Reinhardt University's All Conference coaching staff in 2013.
Assistant Coaches
Roy Hickman (Offensive Coordinator), Brian Hickman (Quarterbacks), Jermale Ransby (Defensive Line), Mike Haynes (Wide Receivers), Marcus Smith (Cornerbacks), Zach Mitchler (Offensive Line), Tiger Greene (Safeties), Mason Russell (Tight Ends), Matthew Buckis (Linebackers), Todd Cochran (Defensive Line), Tracy Morgan (Speed/Conditioning) and Kenny Osuwah (Opps).