News

Johnny Allen named Head Football Coach

Harding Academy is proud to announce that Johnny Allen has been named the head coach of the football program. Associate head of school and athletic director Kevin Starks said that he was pleased with the high level of interest in the position from numerous quality candidates. He noted that Coach Allen stood out as having the perfect mix of head coaching experience, energy, enthusiasm, and most importantly, a deep faith that motivates all that he does.

Allen is a long-time coach in this area. In his 20 years of coaching, he has served as defensive coordinator at Briarcrest Christian School, White Station High School, and most recently at Christian Brothers High School. He served as head coach at Rossville Christian Academy.

A native of Hendersonville, TN, and a graduate of Lambuth University, Allen majored in history and lettered in football for four years. Coach Allen and his wife Amy have two children, Quinn, 10, and Elizabeth, 9. They are members at Second Presbyterian Church. Allen also serves as the chaplain for the Memphis Redbirds.

Coach Allen will be teaching physical education and working as Harding’s strength and conditioning coach.

Coach Starks, himself a former Harding football player, said, “I know how important relationships are in building a strong football program.  We approached this search with a lot of prayer, and I feel confident that Coach Allen is a coach who will be good for all of our students and our entire school.”

Coach Allen looks forward to developing and strengthening relationships not only among the coaching staff and the players but also among all members of the Harding family. His priorities are God, family, academics, and football. His goals include creating “a family atmosphere that we can all be proud of. It will take a collective effort to create a model program. We want to build relationships throughout our team—it’s about relationships. Together, we can all make a difference in molding these young men into future husbands, fathers, and leaders.”

About his decision to come to Harding, Coach Allen said, “I’ve always admired the approach and vision [Harding has] taken. It happens when the emphasis of athletics is on building Kingdom Community and not just a convenient community in your school. This is the type team I want to be a part of and believe I’ll thrive in.”

Coach Allen will begin July 1. The Lions will host Wooddale High School on August 19 in the season opener.