By Kyle Roberts
Ruston High head football coach Jerrod Baugh has put together his coaching staff for the 2023 season with a majority of position coaches returning from last season along with a few new (and seasoned) faces on the sidelines.
The new varsity coaching faces this season will be Johnathan Millage, who played for the Bearcats and will now coach running backs, and Rodney Bagwell, a very familiar face who has been around the Ruston football program for decades. Bagwell will take over safeties.
“The kids are going to be familiar with these guys, and these coaches are familiar with our system,” Baugh said of Millage and Bagwell, who both coached at Ruston Junior High recently. “It’s really good to be able to move coaches up that have been around not just the terminology, but because the kids know them and they’re comfortable with them. That makes the transition easier.”
Returning for the Bearcats will be both offensive and defensive coordinators in Earl Griffin and Kyle Williams, respectively.
Special teams coordinator Bryan Beck will also take over coaching on the offensive line, while Kai Burrell will coach tight ends. Steven Ensminger will remain at quarterbacks’ coach, while David Taylor will coach the defensive line. Ken Wright returns to coach cornerbacks, and Colt Dunbar will coach kickers and punters.
Chris Brister returns as athletic trainer, while Frasier Hogan will remain the strength and conditioning coach and will help out with defense. Greg Hawkins will head video and also serve as a defensive assistant.
Both Wright and Williams played in the NFL after their high school careers as Bearcats.
Leaving the staff from last season are Broderick Fobbs, Chad Reeder, and Ross Wiersma.
“I’m appreciative of all of the coaches who have spent time here, especially those from last season that helped us get to the state championship game,” Baugh said. “From a continuity standpoint, some years you’re going to have turnover. But I really appreciate their time with the program.”
Ruston High also released season ticket information this week for fans to come watch home games. The regular season begins Friday, Sept. 1, at James Field at Hoss Garrett Stadium against Warren Easton.
