The Tavares Johnson era is coming back to Hollandale.
Johnson, who led Simmons High School to a pair of football state championships in 2015 and 2016, has once again been named the head coach of the Blue Devils.
“I want to tell the people of the Hollandale community that we are back, and this time it will be better than ever,” Johnson said. “It will take a lot of hard work on everyone’s part, but we can get there.
“I know how good the talent is that we have, and I know what we are capable of becoming. I have seen us develop into a championship team, and I can see it happening again.”
Johnson takes over the position from Jeremy Packer, who leaves the role after just one season. In an abbreviated season due to COVID, the Blue Devils finished 4-1 in 2020.
Johnson spent his last three seasons as the football coach at North Side High School.
Johnson graduated from East Side High School in Cleveland, and later went on to play linebacker at Alcorn State University. At Alcorn State, he was teammates with legendary quarterback Steve McNair.
After college, Johnson spent 11 years in the Navy before becoming a high school teacher and coach.
Along with being the head football coach, Johnson has also been hired by the Hollandale School District to be its director of operations.
“I consider myself someone who is a disciplinarian, but I also am someone who has a big heart, especially for kids,” Johnson said.
The rebuild of the Simmons program won’t take as long this time,” Johnson said.
Johnson said he is well aware of all the talented players who will be on his team, including the star brothers Vontrez and Devonte Rush.
“I got to know many of those players when they were a lot younger and I was working in Hollandale.
