Robert Ayers Joins Knoxville Catholic Football Staff. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Mobbs was recently named the football coach at Jackson County (Georgia). 18 by Denver in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. To learn about our exceptional academic programs, athletics and student life, please visit us and apply! Before being an assistant coach at Ensworth, he was the special teams coach at Brentwood Academy for a year in 2020. Coaching Experience: 2021-2022 Knoxville Catholic High School Head Coach 2014-2020 Lanier High School Head Coach 2 Region Championships Playoff Appearances 2014-2019 GHSA Sweet Sixteen 2015, 2018, 2019 State Semifinals . , DA: Man convicted of burglary left court and burgled, 3 reported dead after severe weather in Kentucky, Morgan Wallen makes donations for Gibbs HS programs, Rodent droppings found at Knoxville restaurant, LIVE UPDATES: Power outages across East Tennessee, TIMELINE: Lisa Edwards death and fallout, Family says officers had no respect for human life, NOAA weather radio down, where to get alerts, Dillon Brooks Blasts Warriors, Draymond Green in, Chase Elliott to Miss Race After Injuring Leg in, Ex-NBA Player Anthony Morrow Arrested on Kidnapping,, Spirit Sign Youngest Player in NWSL History, 15-Year-Old, Report: Cowboys to Franchise Tag Pollard If No Deal, Adam Schefter Pranks Podcasters With Fake Lamar Jackson, Sources: Giants Offer QB Jones Between $35 Mil and, What Each Likely First-Round QB Needs From Their, Damaged water line put out Knoxville restaurant fire, Man dies after tree falls on car in McEwen, PHOTOS: Strong winds knock down trees, powerlines, Strong winds, storms move through East Tennessee, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders, Morgan Wallen performs at Knox County school, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Knoxville Catholic is dipping into Atlanta to get its next head football coach. Sompayrac said that after Korey Mobbs resigned after this season, a number of candidates including new coach Dean Cokinos mentioned Matthews as a person they would want to join their staff. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Dr. Sedonna Prater, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Knoxville, and Dickie Sompayrac, president of Knoxville Catholic High School, have accepted the resignation of . Before his opportunities in the Arena Football League, he coached in the German Football League for nine years, starting in 1994. Catholic went 5-5 in 2020 and missed the Division II-AAA playoffs, which was the first time the Irish had missed the playoffs since 2012. 1 prospect Dylan Stewart schedules visit to Tennessee, 2023 NFL scouting combine: Jeremy Banks by the numbers, SEC baseball scores, records after March 1 games, Lady Vols to play Kentucky in SEC Tournament, How the SEC was formed by leaving a 23-team super conference, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Its a great day to be an Irish@KCIrishFootball @KnoxCatholic pic.twitter.com/891puPFH3m. He served as defensive line coach under then-head coach Steve Matthews. Print. Eagleton will be in its first season of TSSAA region play this season. Sign up for the Vols Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. . Amidst the coaching change, Mobbs said he has been welcomed with open arms by the team and has not heard any chatter about players transferring out of the program, but will tackle the concern on a case-by-case basis. By Dan McWilliams. Former Vol Robert Ayers has been named defensive coordinator at Knoxville Catholic High School. Tennessee signed defensive end Tyler Baron and offensive lineman Cooper Mays in the 2020 recruiting cycle, and the local powerhouse has been a national recruiting hotbed for several years, producing the likes of Cade Mays and Amari Rogers. Thats in practice, in every rep, and then hopefully that translates to Friday nights.. And the Irish lured a successful coach from Georgia to East Tennessee to take over the reins for the Catholic program. Mobbs led the Fighting Irish to the Division II-AAA playoffs both seasons at the helm but finished with an 8-12 combined record. 0:04 0:49 Dean Cokinos remains part of Division II-AAA, but is headed east after being named the new Catholic football coach on Thursday. "Knoxville Catholic is a special place and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the Fighting Irish football program, Cokinos said in a press release. A special, special place, special people at Knox Catholic and so that's why I made that decision. A month after Korey Mobbs resigned at Knoxville Catholic, the Fighting Irish have found their new football leader. Ketia Daniel, founder of BHM Cleaning Co., is BestReviews cleaning expert. We're off to see the Wizard. Mobbs has only been in Knoxville for eight days Ayers will serve as the second former Vol in as many years to assist at Catholic, as Rico McCoy was also on the sidelines last season. This page will be updated with the livestream below. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Knoxville Catholic is dipping into Atlanta to get its next head football coach. Catholic finished 7-4 during the 2019 campaign and will look for another return to the state playoffs under Head Coach . Assistant Coach (Tight Ends) tobiav@cua.edu. The 'quiet UT fan' comes to the Fighting Irish after a successful head-coaching career in Georgia. Knoxville Catholic High School 9245 Fox Lonas Rd. In the two seasons, Mobbs coached the Irish went 8-12. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. He served as defensive line coach under then-head coach Steve Matthews. Please check your email for a confirmation. They know that I love them and that I care about them and they handled it like good young men.". Cokinos worked as an NFL pro personnel scout for the Tennessee Titans from 2003-2007 and was an Arena Football League coach in Washington D.C. (2016-18), New Orleans (2014-15) and Atlanta (2007-14). ", NEW KNOX CATHOLIC COACH:Knoxville Catholic hires Ensworth assistant Dean Cokinos as football coach, NEW OAK RIDGE COACH:After 'exhaustive' search, Oak Ridge football hires state championship coach Derek Rang. IN-STATE TENNESSEE SIGNEES:Josh Heupel's 2023 Tennessee football recruiting class has more in-state signees than in recent years, IN HIS OWN WORDS:Trevor Duncan: Why I signed with Tennessee football. Former coach Steve Matthews resigned on April 5 after an arrest on DUI and drug charges. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The Knoxville Catholic head football coach, Stephen Matthews was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and drug possession Thursday. Korey Mobbs was named the Irish's coach at a press conference Wednesday [] Catholic hired Korey Mobbs as its new coach on Wednesday. We interviewed our tech expert, Jaime Vazquez, to learn more about accessible smart home devices. Catholic has won three state championships in its history and two came under Matthews (2015, 2017). So thats what weve talked about with the staff, and thats what weve started over the last eight days. Ive probably met 300 people since Ive been here in Knoxville, but the most important names Ive learned are the ones on our roster, said Mobbs. Philip Shadowens confirmed to Knox News that he will be an assistant football at Catholic this upcoming season. He was selected No. Prior to Eagleton, he coached at William Blount for seven seasons. Twitter. Doug Samuels. "I don't know him real well," Matthews said of Baron. It just feels great to be back and excited to get to work and hopefully get this program to one be one of the top programs in the state.". But in terms of wins and losses, we don't really think of our expectations in that way.. https://volswire.usatoday.com/2021/06/03/former-tennessee-vol-vfl-robert-ayers-named-defensive-coordinator-at-knoxville-catholic/, Nation's No. Mobbs has only been in Knoxville for eight days but says he feels right at home on the practice field. Knoxville Catholic High School has been inspiring young people through the ministry of Christ since 1932. 2023 www.knoxnews.com. Author: Matt Ray. Phone: 202-319-4749. Go Irish! Knoxville Catholic football adds two-time state champion Philip Shadowens as assistant coach, Knoxville Catholic hires Ensworth assistant Dean Cokinos as football coach, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I think for Coach Cokinos, whos had head coaching experience but not at the high school level, his (experience) has more been arena football and NFL Europe, Sompayrac said. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Knoxville Catholic High School named Korey Mobbs as its new head coach back in April. Knoxville Catholic will announce its new football coach in a press conference this afternoon. Longest tenured coach in UT history to be inducted into Greater Knoxville Area Sports Hall of Fame. "The only hard part of taking a job like that was leaving those kids at Eagleton because they had really bought in and worked their tails off," Shadowens said. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, coach Mobbs is a Vols fan. He started his career at Smyrna in 1994, leading the Bulldogs to Class 5A state championships in 2006 and 2007. Knoxville Catholic hires Ensworth assistant Dean Cokinos as football coach, After 'exhaustive' search, Oak Ridge football hires state championship coach Derek Rang, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. To learn more about ChatGPT and how we can inspire students, we sat down with BestReviews book expert, Ciera Pasturel. Last season, Shadowens coached his one season at Eagleton College and Career. Last season, Shadowens coached his one season at Eagleton College and Career Academy, which opened in August 2021. Well continue to evaluate that. We want to act like a family, said Mobbs. Robert Ayers played in Knoxville for the Tennessee Volunteers from 2005-2008, and afterward, he was drafted with the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Knoxville Catholic is a special place where students are nurtured and challenged as they grow to become remarkable and faith-filled young adults. Head Coach Korey Mobbs. By Ken Lay Knoxville Catholic High School introduced its new football coach last week, ending a three-week search to replace Steve Matthews. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)- A new era is underway for Knoxville Catholic football as head coach Korey Mobbs began his first spring practice at the helm. {{current_weather.dt | momentjs( atts.date )}}, The Knoxville Focus for February 27, 2023, Treadwell and Underwood: Player and Coach of the Year, Lady Devils come back to nab tournament title in hostile territory, Karns girls go back to work after bowing in district finals, The Knoxville Focus for February 20, 2023, Hot Seymour rolls past ice cold Lady Hornets, Catholic taps Travis Mains to be next girls basketball coach, Knox Catholic beats Oak Ridge, stands one step away from state title game, Local players named Mr. Football Finalists. Best smart home devices for older users, according, How to get started on spring cleaning early, according, Worried about your student using ChatGPT for homework? Severe storms move through East Tennessee. Sompayrac said the program met with the football players parents about the decision. 9. The offense will be Matthews' coaching domain as the offensive coordinator and he will be judged on it, for the positive and the negative. In 2010, he helped establish the Lanier High School football program in Sugar Hill, Georgia. Now, Ayers, a product of Marlboro County HS (SC), will return to Knoxville in a new football role. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Newly-hired Catholic head coach Korey Mobbs named Ayers the Fighting Irishs defensive coordinator. Last season they were 3-7. Two-time state championship coach Steve Matthews will be returning to Knoxville Catholic as the football team's offensive coordinator, school president Dickie Sompayrac told Knox News.. We have good coaches, many of whom are here in the building, Mobbs said. Football Highlights with Knoxville Catholic - Varsity Football and 1 other. Mobbs replaces Matthews, who resigned after eight years last month after he was arrested for DUI and drug possession charges. Tommy E. Winton III | Knoxville Catholic HS, TN. Knoxville Catholic High School 9245 Fox Lonas Rd. "He has a solid understanding of the balance between winning and educating young men and developing lifetime skills. I look forward to meeting them and I look forward to working with our young men. He started his career as an assistant coach for Collins Hill High School in Suwannee, Georgia. , DA: Man convicted of burglary left court and burgled, 3 reported dead after severe weather in Kentucky, Morgan Wallen makes donations for Gibbs HS programs, Rodent droppings found at Knoxville restaurant, LIVE UPDATES: Power outages across East Tennessee, TIMELINE: Lisa Edwards death and fallout, Family says officers had no respect for human life, NOAA weather radio down, where to get alerts, Dillon Brooks Blasts Warriors, Draymond Green in, Chase Elliott to Miss Race After Injuring Leg in, Ex-NBA Player Anthony Morrow Arrested on Kidnapping,, Spirit Sign Youngest Player in NWSL History, 15-Year-Old, Report: Cowboys to Franchise Tag Pollard If No Deal, Adam Schefter Pranks Podcasters With Fake Lamar Jackson, Sources: Giants Offer QB Jones Between $35 Mil and, What Each Likely First-Round QB Needs From Their, Damaged water line put out Knoxville restaurant fire, Man dies after tree falls on car in McEwen, PHOTOS: Strong winds knock down trees, powerlines, Strong winds, storms move through East Tennessee, Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders, Morgan Wallen performs at Knox County school, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Former coach Steve Matthews was suspended on April 2 after his arrest for drunken driving and drug possession. Our expectation is we'll be competitive but we'll do things the right way, Sompayrac said. Mobbs replaces Steve Matthews, who resigned earlier this month after being arrested on drunken driving and drug charges. Mobbs has coached for 16 years and has a 58-22 record as a head coach. The high school named Korey Mobbs as its next football coach on Wednesday. So really, going through spring has been our emphasis, and then as summer approaches, well begin to implement those things. "They were sad but they understood. Knoxville Catholic finished 7-4 during the 2019 campaign and will look for another return to the state playoffs under Head Coach Steve Matthews in 2020. He also earned Region 8-AAAAA Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Were excited to welcome Coach Cokinos to Catholic High," said Dickie Sompayrac, President of Knoxville Catholic High School, in a press release. Some of them are in and out from a spring practice standpoint. "This was an opportunity to go into what I think is the best private school around. 865.560.0313 | [email protected] Mardi Growl to close several roads in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, What you need to know about paying to park in the Great Smoky Mountains. Football Camps Touchdown Club Golf Tournament Program Advertising Corporate Sponsors Fan Zone Staff. He served as their offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, before becoming head coach in 2014. Shadowens, who won two state titles at Smyrna, has coached at William Blount and Eagleton while in the Knoxville area. Ayers totaled 257 tackles, 35 sacks, 14 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown during his NFL career. We love supporting multisport athletes, Mobbs said. I saw their eyes as I paced nervously around the locker room and that validated that we made the right decision for our family. Matthews returns to the program after resigning in 2021, a day after being arrested on drunken driving and drug possession charges. While still navigating his new role, learning his roster, getting to know his new coaching staff and getting acclimated with his new city, Mobbs said he is excited about the group of guys he is inheriting. We obviously talked with a lot of people and met with Steve and sat down with Steve's wife as well and talked with them and talked with his pastor, Sompayrac said. As head coach, Mobbs posted a 58-22 record and won two region championships. Still windy early on tonight, then calmer with sunshine this Weekend! Houston Wisdom (TX): Head coach Jacque Tinsley will not return for a seventh season leading the program and assistant coach Vincente Herrera is the new head coach, Matt Stepp tweets. Knoxville,TN 37923 865.560.0313 Visit our school website eight days but says he feels right at home on the practice field. Former Vols' kicker discusses the West-Bearden match. who resigned earlier this month after being arrested on drunken driving and drug charges. Yesterday, local-area high school, Knoxville Catholic, announced Ayers would join their high school staff. "It's a . But it will be around family. Today, our campus in the heart of West Knoxville features best-in-class facilities, a distinguished faculty and a steadfast commitment to Catholic education. He was also an assistant coach at the college level at UMass, Austin Peay and West Alabama. He has compiled an impressive record and his passion and enthusiasm for the game of football is contagious. Matthews . Cokinos also added two-time state championship coach Philip Shadowens as an assistant. Ayers was first-team All-Southeastern Conference as a senior in 2008. Cokinos most recently was the linebackers coach at. He also coached a season at Middle Tennessee Christian in 2008 before spending 2009-14 at Blackman, where he coached former Tennessee star and San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings. Robert Ayers Joins Knoxville Catholic Football Staff, Robert Ayers Joins Knoxville Catholic Staff. Ayers Jr. started his coaching career as the defensive line coach at Knoxville Catholic in 2020 and was the defensive coordinator there in 2021 before moving to Oak Ridge, where he was the. Former coach Steve Matthews resigned on April 5 after an arrest on DUI and drug charges. Eagleton has not competed in varsity-level TSSAA sports until the 2023-24 school year and Shadowens has only a team for the freshman and sophomore classes. He even has a son named Knox in honor of his late father as the two grew up going to games at Neyland Stadium on Saturdays. He never had a winning season with the Governors, and the team finished 1-9 in 2021. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Knoxville Catholic introduced Korey Mobbs as its new head football coach on Wednesday afternoon. KADEN. Former Vol Marlon Walls and Powell set for 2022 season. Were happy to be here. If Catholic does succeed in putting points on the . He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 16 years. His position was not formally announced, but there is no doubt, Ayers will find himself working somewhere across the defensive front. He resigned three days later. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. He didnt rule out retaining some of Matthews former assistants. We look forward to coach Mobbs leading the Fighting Irish on and off the field.. Philip Shadowens confirmed to Knox News that he will be an assistant . The school was opened in 2010 in Gwinnett County just outside of Atlanta. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. In the NFL, Ayers played for Denver (2009-13), the New York Giants (2014-15) and Tampa Bay (2016-17). Others are involved in track and field. Josh Heupel's 2023 Tennessee football recruiting class has more in-state signees than in recent years, Trevor Duncan: Why I signed with Tennessee football, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Vincent and Ellen Sica Endowed Head Coach. Assistant Coach (Special Teams, Inside Receivers) . Cheerleading and Dance Wrestling Basketball Football Volleyball Ice Hockey Show all Sports About School: Knoxville Catholic High School Address: 9245 Fox Lonas Rd Knoxville, TN Mascot: Fighting Irish State Association: Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Associations Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association We look forward to Coach Cokinos leading the Fighting Irish on and off the field. Its about coaching them really hard but maybe loving them a little harder. Mobbs helped begin the Lanier High School football program. Mobbs previously coached at Lanier High school in Georgia. "Kids will have fun, kids will get better and kids will compete and really I think that's what our expectation is. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) Knoxville Catholic High School announced the hiring of Dean Cokinos as the new head football coach for the Fighting Irish. Were going to do things with class and were going to do things with commitment and its an honor to pair those three Cs with Knoxville Catholic. Since 1999, all sources remain confidential. Kaden Martin after picking Miami: New Tennessee football staff never contacted me, Seven potential candidates to become Knoxville Catholic football coach, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Matthews previously had arrested for DUI in Tennessee. Ayers, who played at Tennessee as a linebacker and defensive end between 2004-08, joined the Fighting Irish's coaching staff in 2020. The introductory press conference took place inside the school's gym with . After just two seasons at Knoxville Catholic, Korey Mobbs has resigned as head football coach of the Fighting Irish. Matthews coached the Irish from 2013-20 and won state championships in 2015 and 2017. "He is highly experienced in football operations, and player development, and he builds programs that personify class and excellence. People talk about winning games but I want to establish championship habits, and if we do that, the other things will take care of themselves.. "We're very excited to that Korey Mobbs is coming to Catholic High. The Knoxville Catholic Diocesan said school leaders and Bishop Richard F. Stika are aware of the incident involving Matthews. "There is a solid foundation in place at Catholic and I'm excited to grow a winning culture and build the Fighting Irish into a top performer in Division II-AAA.. Korey Mobbs was named the Irishs coach at a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the Catholic High School gymnasium. While coaching, he also served as general manager in Atlanta and D.C. and director of football operations in New Orleans. Mobbs hopes to build a culture at Catholics football program centered around family. 7 overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft Derrick Brown, as well as 70 college football signees at the Class 6A school. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)- A new era is underway for Knoxville Catholic football as head coach Korey Mobbs began his first spring practice at the helm. We want them to honor their season, then well worry about that later.. Learn more about upcoming championship events and see in-depth history on high school sports in Tennessee. I think when you take a job you have to understand where youre going and what the culture has been, and maybe some changes that need to happen. Ayers's career at Tennessee saw him total 113 tackles, 31.5 for loss, and 9 sacks. Addthis. After finding its new football coach in Dean Cokinos, Knoxville Catholic has added a state championship coach to its staff.