Jerrell Cogmon named Stratford football coach

Stratford has promoted former assistant Jerrell Cogmon to serve as the East Nashville public school’s next football coach.

Cogman, who has served as Stratford’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, replaces former Spartans coach and Nashville Metro coaching veteran Maurice Fitzgerald, who left for Hillsboro in last month.

“The biggest thing is just trying to keep it going; keep the momentum going,” said Cogmon, a Tampa, Fla., native.  “I think it’s easier with me already being here because (the players) know me and they know what to expect."

In his two seasons at Stratford, Fitzgerald led the Spartans to a 19-5 record with a pair of Class 3A playoff appearances. They won just seven games in the three seasons prior to his arrival.

“The expectations have remained the same,” Cogmon added.

In addition to serving as a coach at Tampa-area schools Leto (2003-04) and Zephyrhills (2008), Cogman, 42, has also made numerous assistant-coaching stops, including stints as linebackers coach at TSU (2009-12) and offensive coordinator Hillwood (2013-15).

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com, 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.