Principal Glass and the Anderson County High School SBDM is excited to announce the hire of our new Head Football Coach Mark Palmer. Coach Palmer comes to us from Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring Virginia where he currently serves as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director.
Coach Palmer began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at Lynchburg Christian Academy followed by a two-year stint as an assistant coach at Lexington High School in Lexington, Virginia. During his first season at Lexington, the team won the Division 2 State Championship.
In 1990, Coach Palmer was named head football coach at Ervinton High School, his alma mater. During his 8 seasons as head football coach, the Rebels went to the school’s first 2 playoff appearances and matched the school record for wins in a season with 7.
Coach Palmer spent 2 seasons as offensive coordinator at St. Paul High school before taking over in 2003 as the head coach. During his 8-year tenure at St. Paul, the team went to the playoffs 2 times. Coach Palmer left St Paul as the school’s winningest coach.
Coach Palmer began the 2011 season as the Head Football Coach/Athletic Director for the Patrick Henry High School in Glade Spring, Virginia. Coach Palmer led the Rebels to the playoffs 7 of the 9 years of his tenure. During his tenure, this was the most playoff appearances and the teams won the most playoff games in school history. 2019 was a historic season for Patrick Henry as the Rebels won the schools first regional championship finishing the season with the most wins in school history at 13-1.
Coach Palmer, his wife, Bobbi and daughter Marki, look forward to being a part of the Bearcat family and joining the Anderson County community.
“I would like to thank all our parents and players for providing the committee with the characteristics and attributes they desired in our next head football coach,” stated Principal Glass. “This was a difficult process but we feel that Coach Palmer exhibits all the qualities to run a successful program and develop fine young men for Anderson County.”
“The Bearcat Family is extremely excited to welcome Coach Palmer, his wife Bobbi, and daughter Marki to Anderson County. We look forward to future success and cheering on the Bearcats on Friday night.”
“I’m excited for the future of Bearcat Football,” said Superintendent Mitchell. “Coach Palmer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table and will be a great addition to our community. I was truly amazed at the number of high level applicants and commend Principal Glass and his committee for their hard work.”