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At the April 17 meeting, the Demopolis Board of Education named Lance Tucker as the new head football coach and athletic director for Demopolis High School. Tucker is originally from Demopolis and is coming from Bartlett High School in Tennessee where he leaves a 32-15 record over four seasons as the head coach.

Demopolis Superintendent Tony Willis said that Tucker coached in Fayette County for eight years and led the program to three state championships, and has been in Bartlett, TN since 2019.

“He took a program that had not had a winning season in about 20 years, and immediately got them to the final four in his second year and was named the 6A Coach of the Year,” said Willis. “We are excited to have him here as our football coach and athletic director.”

Tucker expressed his thanks and gratitude to the Board for selecting him as the new head coach.

“This is a dream job for me. It’s an honor to be here and I thank you for the opportunity to chase this,” said Tucker.

During his brief moment on the floor, Tucker gave a special message to several DHS football players who were present for the announcement of their new coach.

“The Board and the interview committee could have interviewed a hundred coaches who were better coaches than I am. But they didn’t interview anybody that will love you like I love you. And if I love you that means I want what’s best for you,” said Tucker. “I promise you we’re going to go get it. We’re going to win and we’re going to have fun. I’m going to bring a lot of enthusiasm and energy and I expect you to do the same.”

Tucker said the reason he wants to be a Demopolis Tiger is because he knows the players are there to support the coach regardless of who he is or where he came from.

“That is why I want a piece of that. And I thank you guys for being here tonight. I promise you guys will get everything I’ve got to make you the best person, the best student, and the best football player you can be,” said Tucker.

Tucker is taking over for former DHS Coach Brian Seymore who had recently taken the head football coach and athletic director position at Greenville High School. However, one week after accepting the position, Seymore decided he would remain at Demopolis.

Demopolis Board of Education Attorney Alexander Braswell said that Seymore approached the Board and Willis about accepting the position in Greenville and that Willis reportedly encouraged him “to do what he wanted and do what was best for him, his career, and his family.”

Braswell said Seymore resigned as the head football coach, but did not submit a letter of resignation as far as being a tenured teacher.

Tucker will have a Meet and Greet with the public on Friday, April 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.