News Summary

Rodney Cofield returns to Atlanta as the head coach of the B.E.S.T. Academy football team. Known for his impressive coaching record, Cofield aims to elevate the school’s football program, which has seen limited success since its inception. With a rich history of wins in high school football, Cofield’s leadership brings hope for a new era at B.E.S.T. Academy, inspiring young athletes in the community as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Rodney Cofield Returns to Atlanta as Head Coach of B.E.S.T. Academy Football Team

Atlanta is buzzing with excitement as Rodney Cofield, one of the most successful football coaches in the history of Atlanta Public Schools (APS), makes his return to the city to lead the B.E.S.T. Academy football team. With a wealth of experience under his belt, fans are eager to see what he will bring to this all-boys school, which stands for Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology.

A Winning Heritage

Cofield’s coaching resume is something to brag about. He made a name for himself at Washington High School, where from 1995 to 2007, he racked up an impressive 97 wins, 46 losses, and just one tie, along with three region titles. That’s no small feat in the competitive world of high school football! Even after his time at Washington, he continued to showcase his skills as a coach at Douglass from 2012 to 2020, where he recorded 46 wins and 47 losses.

Last season, Cofield took on the head coaching role at Heritage of Conyers. His journey has made him a beloved figure in the community, and now he’s back where it all began. With all those wins to his name, he ranks fifth among APS coaches with 143 total victories. The only coaches ahead of him boast even higher numbers, creating quite a legacy in Atlanta football history.

B.E.S.T. Academy’s Journey

B.E.S.T. Academy opened its doors in 2007, launching its first varsity football season in 2012. Despite a rocky start, the academy has made strides with just one winning season and a single playoff victory since forming. Under previous coach Bernard Goodrum, the team showed improvement, climbing from an 0-8 record in the first season to a stronger showing with records of 3-7 and 4-6 in the subsequent years. Goodrum recently resigned to become the head coach in his hometown of Griffin, leaving the door wide open for Cofield to step into a pivotal role.

Exciting Changes on the Horizon

The buzz in the air isn’t merely about Cofield’s return. This offseason has seen some shifts in the coaching landscape in Georgia, with a total of 80 job openings, higher than the previous season’s total of 75, which was the lowest in over a decade. While many schools are seeing coaching vacancies, B.E.S.T. Academy will be given fresh leadership alongside Cofield’s experience and enthusiasm.

Currently, there are 416 football-playing schools in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), making the competition fierce. But with a coach like Cofield at the helm, there’s a sense of optimism that B.E.S.T. Academy can carve out a lasting legacy in the community.

A New Era Begins

As the players gear up for the upcoming season and the community rallies behind them, all eyes will be on Cofield and his methods. Atlanta has always been known for its rich football culture, and with Cofield’s return, it looks ready to elevate the B.E.S.T. Academy program to new heights. With a local native back in charge, there’s a chance to not just build a team, but to build character and inspire young boys to achieve greatness both on and off the field.

Fans, parents, and students are eager for the kickoff of what promises to be an exciting season! With a seasoned coach leading the charge, the aspirations for a brighter future at B.E.S.T. Academy are just beginning to take flight.

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