Rossview High hires Todd Hood to lead football program

When Todd Hood arrived at Clarksville Academy seven years ago, he never detailed how far he felt he could get the Cougars' football program and if that meant state championships.

What he did promise was that his effort, along with the efforts of his assistant coaches and the players under him, would never have to be questioned and that their ultimate goal was not only to win, but win with competitiveness and with the highest of goals.

Hood's sentiments are still part of the foundation in which he coaches and now he will bring that sensibility to a new school. Hood was named the new head coach at Rossview High Monday. He replaces Ron Lambert who guided the Hawks' program the past six years, including two state playoff appearances in the past three years. With Hood's hire, that leaves Fort Campbell and Northeast High School as the two schools still searching for a new football coach. Josh McKillip resigned last December from Fort Campbell while Terry Arrington resigned from Northeast last month.

Lambert stepped down the second week of January after a 5-6 season last fall and a trip to the 5A playoffs. He finished his tenure at Rossview with a 36-38 record.

Hood said he was aware of Lambert's resignation and was intrigued by the idea of returning to Montgomery County. He coached eight years at Northwest and six at Montgomery Central.

"I had some people in the Rossview community reach out to me and that helped get the ball rolling," Hood said. "Every place has its challenges. Every school has different scenarios and I understand that everything isn't greener on the other side, but I like the challenges that Rossview presents."

Hood inherits a program that will shift back to Class 6A next fall and will face a new group of region opponents. The Hawks spent the past two seasons back among Montgomery County public schools in 5A. But a shift in classification will put the Hawks in a Region 4-6A with Hendersonville, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Station Camp and Wilson Central.

Hood also will not have to worry much about roster numbers at a school that has more than 1,600 students.

Clarksville Academy was approved for a move to Division II months ago. It's 240 students in the upper school naturally limits the total number of players on the Cougars' roster. However, Hood was able to keep Clarksville Academy's program highly competitive. The Cougars went to the Class A playoffs every year under Hood except for last season.

"I'm looking forward to having those kinds of roster numbers but you still have to find great players within those numbers," Hood said. "I know Rossview has some great athletes. It's up to me and the staff to make sure we're developing that talent every day on the field and in the classroom."

Hood said he doesn't anticipate bringing any current Academy coaches to Rossview but is currently searching for assistants to fill out his staff.

"I taught in Montgomery County for 18 years," he said. "I'm very familiar with the process and the academic standards. I've talked with several coaches in the county and other places but I'm not ready to name any names. We'll evaluate every coach, including the ones on Rossview's staff now."

Hood, who also served as the defensive coordinator at Fort Campbell during their state championship run from 2007-09, said he spoke with his Cougars team Monday morning and spoke to Rossview's current team during the afternoon. He finished his career at the Academy 46-31.

"I can't change who I am," Hood said. "I care about kids. I want to do everything I can for these kids to be successful. I won't change what I'm doing.

"I had great experiences at the Academy. We won a lot of games and we gradually got better and better. The program got better and better. I'm grateful for my time there and the experience and the opportunity they gave me. It's just time for a new experience."

With Hood's move from the Academy to Rossview, that leaves a position open at the private school.

"Clarksville Academy wishes coach Hood success in his new position," Clarksville Academy’s Head of School, Kay Drew said. "We are very proud of the advancements our football program he has made in the past six years under his leadership. He has been an effective and well-respected leader in our school."

Nine-year assistant coach Duncan Williams will serve as the program's interim coach until the school finds Hood's successor.

“We will work quickly, but with careful thought and discussion to find our next football coach," Academy athletic director Jake Peterson said.

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.