Log in Subscribe

Aaron Dillard new PHS coach

He assumes command of team he once played for

Posted

The Purcell Dragons have a new skipper but he’s not new to the program or the community.

Aaron Dillard, son of former Dragon assistant coach Greg Dillard and his wife, Tammy, was officially hired by the Board of Education Monday in a special called meeting at the Administration Building.

The 2005 PHS graduate has coached at Lexington, Yukon and Piedmont during his 13-year career coaching high school football.

He has served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Piedmont for the last four years.

In addition to his coaching duties, he has logged 11 years as a classroom teacher and the past two years as an assistant principal at Piedmont Middle School.

Aaron and his wife of 10 years, Emily, have a two-year-old son, Lincoln, and are expecting the arrival of their second son in April.

Dillard earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Oklahoma in 2009 and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from East Central University in 2019.

Dr. McAdoo reported to the board the school received 45 applicants to fill the job left open with the retirement of Tracy Scott.

“Aaron was by far the top candidate,” Dr. McAdoo told the board.

“We conducted a community survey that included students with what the community wanted to see in the new coach,” Dr. McAdoo said. “Aaron checked all the boxes for what the administration, community, parents and athletes considered important in the new era of Dragon football, superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo said.

After he was officially hired, Dillard sat down with The Purcell Register.

“I’m excited, honored and humbled,” Dillard said. “I’m excited to come back to a school and community that means a lot to me.”

With the refurbishing of Conger Field, Dillard had high praise for the new facility.

“It’s better than most 2A and 3A programs and even is on par with some 4A and 5A programs in terms of quality,” Dillard said.

About his coaching style Dillard said he will field teams considering the schemes that fit the linemen.

“We will be fast and hit down hill,” he said. “We will play with a great deal of leverage and great technique.”

Dillard said he wants to “hit the ground running” in his new position.

He’s looking forward to participating in spring practice with his new team.

In other action taken by the school board Monday, new carpet for parts of the high school and intermediate school was approved.

Cost of the new carpet will be $51,820 with funding taken from ESSER III funds.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here