Brett McPherson
Cumberland Gap Football Head Coach (Photo by Allen Earl)
Brett McPherson was named head football coach of the Cumberland Gap Panthers earlier this year but since Virginia played a spring high school football season due to COVID-19 his transition to the East Tennessee area was delayed. During the month of June, McPherson was able to begin activities with the Panthers. He quickly found out that he has talented athletes with good attitudes.
McPherson has plans during the first year with the Panthers that includes changing the culture. He spoke about the changes, “I’m not saying that the culture is bad here. I will say that I’m trying to get the players to understand that they will need to first, be good students, second, do great work in the weight room and to do the right things on the field that will make us better.”
When asked about the players he will soon coach after the dead period ends McPherson said, “The players are similar to what I expected but I think they are behind some in the weight room. They are a very positive, hard working group and better than most I have been around from a cultural standpoint.”
The Zone asked McPherson what he needed for the program at this time and he stated, “I definitely need another coach so we can quickly implement a system where we can all buy in to. I think we need consistency by everyone from the coaches, players, school administration and boosters.”
When asked if he had the opportunity to see film on teams in and around the region he admitted having already watched some, “Yes, I have already been looking at a few and it looks like most are spread type offenses, other than Oneida and Claiborne, who go under center a lot. I can see there is good talent in East Tennessee and the schools have great facilities for football which tells me that it means something in this area.”
When asked if he would like to say anything he added, “I’m going to be glad to get to practice with the team. I’m a routine kind of guy and will be glad to get it going there. I’m very anxious to play football again in the fall.”
Coach McPherson has three kids, all grown and scattered up and down the Eastern portion of the country and his wife is named Tamara. They have a place in the area now and will soon start calling it home.
“I haven’t had the chance yet to go out and meet a lot of people in the community but the people I have been introduced to are very nice. The school itself is nice and all together I am very pleased with the reception from the community.”
McPherson’s style of play will consist of a quarterback under center, simple offense and defense, no missed assignments, a good kicking game and an emphasis on doing the right things to not lose games.
Allen Earl
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