John Harrison has been named the new head football coach at Sycamore High School.
Harrison, who teaches criminal justice at the school, taught and coached at Springfield High School for seven years before joining the Sycamore staff this school year.
At Springfield, he coached wide receivers, cornerbacks and safeties. While on staff at Springfield, the Yellow Jackets made the playoffs every year and played in the Class 4A state championship game in 2017.
Harrison, a 1998 graduate of Cheatham County Central High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Bethel University, a master’s degree in administration and supervision at Austin Peay State University and an Ed. S degree in instructional technology at APSU.
“I am very honored for the opportunity to serve Sycamore High School as head coach. I grew up in this community and began my coaching career right here at Sycamore 20 years ago. I am very thankful to Principal Dawn Wenning, Assistant Principal Adrian Baker and Athletic Director Shelby Tinch for believing in me and allowing me this opportunity,” Harrison said.
Harrison worked with former SHS coaches Tommy Tharp and Gary Halstead while on the War Eagle staff and was on staff for the school’s first state playoff appearance.
“I consider coaches Tharp and Halstead to be my mentors and the reason I pursued a coaching career. I have a huge amount of respect for both of them,” he said.
Harrison added: “I am excited for the opportunity to use football as a platform to instill characteristics in these young men that will prepare them for success on the field and off. It is a privilege for me to represent these young men, their parents, Sycamore High School and the community of Pleasant View as we restore the culture and tradition of War Eagle football.”