Pepperell High School (PHS) and Floyd County Schools (FCS) announced Brandon Haywood as the new head football coach,
“Pepperell High School is tremendously excited about welcoming Coach Brandon Haywood and his family to Dragon Country, as the new Head Football Coach,” stated PHS principal Jason Kouns. Based on Brandon’s regional connection as both an athlete and Head Coach, he is well aware of the tradition behind Pepperell Football and our expectation of excellence. Coach Haywood is well versed on the Lindale and Silver Creek areas, and I have no question, he will take Dragon Football to new heights!”
Originally from Rockmart, Georgia, Haywood has dedicated the last two years as the head coach at Woodland High School . During his tenure, Haywood built up the program from top to bottom. He focused on all aspects of Woodland football and the community and brought the two together throughout various events, having student athlete success, both on and off the field.
Recognizing that in order to have success, Haywood saw the need to unify his feeder program and created a Woodland Middle School football program. This program consisted of students from Red Top Middle School and Woodland Middle School. Coach Haywood and his staff had more than 70 kids participate, earning a third place finish in the league after the first year together.
“I am so excited to have Coach Haywood (and family) join our Pepperell Community,” said Pepperell Middle principal Courtney Hampton. “We agree on the importance of feeder programs and look forward to working with Coach Haywood, as we support Pepperell High School at the middle school level.”
Prior to his time at Woodland, he served as the offensive coordinator at Rockmart High School (2019-2021), offensive coordinator at Cass High School (2018) and offensive coordinator, and running backs coach at River Ridge High School (2013-2017).
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Pepperell football program, which is known to be rich in tradition, prestige and a standard of excellence,” said Coach Brandon Haywood. “I would be lying if I didn’t say this transition has not been an emotional one as I have connected and built so many meaningful relationships with the players, coaches, school staff and community at Woodland. At this time, I have been called in another direction and I am blessed for this opportunity. My family and I are ready to see what is next for us here in Lindale. Go Dragons!”
Coach Haywood has achieved many accolades during his coaching tenure. In 2015, he was named the Ray Face Assistant Coach of the Year for Cherokee County. While at Rockmart, he had two consecutive playoff appearances, 24 consecutive region wins and won three consecutive region championships. Also, in 2018, he was selected to coach the All-Star GACA North vs. South game.
A graduate of Carson-Newman, Haywood obtained a Psychology degree. While at Carson-Newman, he was a star athlete on the football team, playing quarterback for the Eagles. As a player, Haywood was named to the All-SAC First Team, Offensive MVP and All-SAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year.
Over the years, he has also obtained an Educator Preparation degree from the University of West Florida (2015), a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University (2017) and a Specialist degree from Walden University (2020).
Coach Haywood has a mission to develop young men’s character, teach sportsmanship and foster both a passion for football and increase the knowledge and ability of players and staff, while improving parent and community involvement. Knowing the history of football in Lindale, and having the opportunity to play in that environment as a player in high school, he is excited to put his mission to work with the Dragons.
Brandon and his wife, Whitney, have two children; Ryleigh and Bryson.
