Alcovy High School teacher and defensive line coach Chris Edgar has been named the new head football coach of the Alcovy Tigers.

“Coach Chris Edgar is very passionate about Alcovy football and the players,” said Dr. Sandra Owens, principal of Alcovy High School. “He is an excellent choice as the head football coach because he works well with other staff members, he motivates students, he is very energetic, and he inspires everyone around him. Coach Edgar has a great plan to bring the Alcovy football program to the next level and continue our mission of preparing, enabling, and equipping our students for excellence.”

Edgar earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Auburn University in 1997 but said he, “quickly realized that I wanted to coach and then became certified to teach high school.”

He has extensive experience as a football coach, having established the Chamblee Middle School football program during his time there. In fact, one season his team went undefeated. He later served as the offensive line/defensive line coach at Chamblee High School before accepting a position as offensive line coach at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School.  In addition to his football coaching duties, Edgar also served as head soccer coach and was named the 2004 North Fulton Coach of the Year.

Edgar joined the Alcovy High School staff when the school opened its doors in 2006. Hired as a U.S. history teacher, he made the switch to physical education and health teacher four years ago. He originally coached the Alcovy Tigers’ offensive line but has served as the defensive line coach the past two years.

“I am absolutely honored to be the coach at Alcovy High School,” said Edgar. “I have loved this school, its students, and its teachers since I walked in the door in 2006.  This place is special to me and I am going to do my absolute best to lift this program up.”

Edgar was quick to praise former head coach Kirk Hoffman, who announced earlier this year that he was stepping down from the program.

“Coach Hoffman is well respected in this state,” said Edgar. “We were extremely fortunate to have him as the builder of our program.  He taught me more than I can ever say about football and character.  My staff and I now have the responsibility to use the things he instilled in us and take them to the next level.”

When asked his immediate goals for the Alcovy High School football program, Edgar said, “First and foremost, I want to build players who are academically successful.  So many doors open with grades.  I want all of my players to graduate.  Second, I want my players to be proud of the name Alcovy on their chest.  With that comes products on and off the field they can be proud of.  I think when these players buy in to our staff’s philosophy, we are going to have a quick turnaround.  We want to be in contention to make the playoffs in year one.  Then once we get to the playoffs we want to win in the playoffs.”