Mike Parris Is New Cougar Football Coach

Piedmont Academy officials announced Mike Parris as its new head football coach last week.

Parris takes over the Cougars after a successful career in the Georgia High School High School Association, primarily with a long tenure at nearby Jackson High School. With 168 career wins on his resume, Parris has also worked as head coach at Forest Park High School, Heritage High School in Conyers and at Loganville High School.

“I am excited to be back in the game,” Parris said. “This is going to be a different challenge in terms of numbers but it is still about blocking and tackling. I am excited about working with these young men and continuing the fine football tradition at Piedmont.”

Parris, whose longest tenure was at Jackson High School from 1996 until 2012, had two undefeated regular seasons with the Red Devils in 2008 and 2009.

Piedmont Academy headmaster Tony Tanner officially announced the hiring of Parris last week.

“I wanted to get back involved,” he said. “I did not know Mr. (Tony) Tanner but I knew he had coached at Jackson. I’ve always believed Piedmont was a good place and had told my wife if the opportunity ever presented itself this would be a good situation to be in. When Mr. Tanner called it felt like it would be a good time.”

Parris has already been busy meeting fellow teachers and school personnel. Football-wise, he said the biggest adjustment will be going from working with 85-90 players to 25-30.

“You have to careful about how you practice,” Parris said. “Conditioning will be huge. Figuring out ways to rest players will be important. It’s something we will have to address and we will do our best to address it.”

Since the GISA no longer allows spring practice, Parris will not be able to work with his players until summer workouts in June. Currently he is already watching last year’s game video to become more familiar with returning players.

Parris will bring Clint Ashmore as his offensive coordinator. He said he will talk with other members of last season’s coaching staff about continuing to work with the program. Keeping some of the previous staff together will help keep the players at ease, Parris said.

In terms of systems on offense and defense, Parris said he will utilize the strengths of the players.

“On offense, we’ve run everything from the run and shoot to the inside and outside zone,” the new head coach said. “We’ve done it all.”

Parris said he is a “defensive coach” and has used multiple fronts and schemes during his career.

“Regardless of the situation or team, it all goes back to blocking and tackling,” he said. “We have to be great blockers and tacklers.”

Parris said he knows there is plenty of work to be done going into the 2018 season but his time away from coaching has re-energized him.

“I am excited to be back in the game,” he said. “This is the ultimate sport. You learn so much about working together. It’s all about having fun and being there for your teammates.”

Parris replaces Wes Tanner who was the head coach for the Cougars for the past four seasons. Tanner guided Piedmont to the state championship game in 2014. He was also defensive coordinator for the school during its two state championship seasons in 2010 and 2011.

Tanner is going to be the full-time student minister for Monticello Baptist Church.

“Piedmont has been home for me,” Tanner said. “It has been an awesome ride. This has everything to do with a life change and a life’s calling. It’s something that I have been called to do for a while and the door opened. I am so at peace with this decision.”

Tanner, who will coach Piedmont’s baseball team this spring, said he will help Parris with the transition.

“I believe Piedmont is getting a great football coach,” Tanner said. “I believe he will help continue the strong football tradition the school has enjoyed in the past. Anything he needs me to do I am more than willing to do help do.