New Football Coach Hired At Ozark
by Vernon McDaniel and Janice Penix
Josh Watson, who coached Salem High School to the 3A state football championship this past season, has been named head coach at 4A Ozark.
Watson will replace Jeremie Burns, who is leaving Ozark after 23 years.
The hiring was confirmed at a special Ozark School Board meeting on Tuesday, March 4.
“The Ozark School District is thrilled to have Josh Watson and his family join the Ozark community as head football coach,” Athletic Director Jordan Price said. “Coach Watson brings state champion level success and experience to a program that has been built on character, tradition, and winning. Hillbilly football is ready for Coach Watson’s leadership to continue this spring developing strength, skill, and culture with our student athletes alongside the entire football coaching staff.”
Watson is a graduate of Springwood (Ala.) High School and LaGrange College in Georgia. He has been employed as a football coach at Salem for 12 years, including five as head coach of the Greyhounds.
He said the opportunity to relocate closer to his wife’s hometown of Van Buren initially drew him to the Ozark position.
“We have been looking to get back toward Van Buren, so this was the perfect opportunity,” Watson said. “I am looking forward to continuing the tradition Ozark has had and taking it to another level. They are a storied program and I’m excited about working with the kids and coaches to continue to elevate their program.”
Watson will begin at Ozark on March 31.
“I’m excited to be able to come in early and get to work, so we’re not behind the game,” he said. “We should be able to get things implemented in the spring and be ready to roll for summer football.”
Watson’s wife, Hannah, was also hired at the Board meeting as a middle school teacher. Others hired during the meeting were Kara Burns, primary school principal; Gavin Green, assistant band director; and Paige Mills, secondary math teacher.
Photo: Salem High School coach Josh Watson celebrates after his team won the 3A State football championship last fall. Watson was hired last week as the new head football coach for the Ozark Hillbillies.
The full story appears in the March 12 edition of The Graphic, found online and in businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.
