4 Questions With Rockmart Football Coach Biff Parson
We spoke with Rockmart football coach Biff Parson about how he got his start in coaching, how he ended up at Rockmart, and the story behind his first name.
Q: Coach, talk about your football history. How did you get your start in coaching?
A: Well, my dad (Ronnie Parson) had coached high school ball for 36 years in Georgia. I’m a son of a coach; when he went to the school to work, I wanted to go. I was a gym rat. I knew at an early age I wanted to coach football and follow my dad’s footsteps.
After I was cut from the CFL, my first coaching job was at Hart County High School; then went back to my alma mater, Liberty University, to coach QBs; then had an opportunity to coach in the former NFL-Europe (Frankfurt Galaxy) league. I have been super blessed to be able to work with some really, really great coaches that I was able to learn from!
Q: How did Biff Parsons arrive as head coach of the Rockmart Yellow Jackets?
A: In 2007, I came home from NFL-Europe. Dan Duff was the head coach at Rockmart. He and my dad coached together at Franklin County back in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Somehow, I ended up in my offseason helping Coach Duff coach here at Rockmart in 2007.
I ended up meeting my wife during my time here. Her grandad, Bill Keller, was the head football coach and eventually became principal at Rockmart High School for over 20 years. I was the head coach at Banks County High School when this job came open. Anna (my wife), who grew up here, she had more pull than I did when I applied for this job!
There are certain jobs that we as coaches in this state look at and say, “If that job ever comes open…” Rockmart was that job for me. I’m very thankful for this community and grateful to be the head football coach at Rockmart High School.
Q: You are preparing for a big first-round playoff game, coach. What would you say or point to as the key to winning in the postseason?
A: Most teams at this point are pretty good. Making the playoffs in the state of Georgia is hard. We believe that just playing our brand of football the best way we can each Friday night will give us a chance to win. This game is simple that we sometimes make difficult. This game is about blocking and tackling. The team that is good at that and does not turn the ball over usually wins. I’m not the smartest coach, but having good players makes the difference as well. However, at this point in the season (playoffs), everyone has good players.
Q: Can you tell us the story behind your first name, Biff?
A: The story behind the name is my Dad loves the Atlanta Braves. Biff Pocoroba played catcher for the Braves back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. That is where I got my name.
Written by: Phil Jones
