New Captain at the Helm

Oxford job is new coach's 'lifelong dream'
By Andy JohnsStar Staff Writer
Updated 10:42 a.m.

John Grass said at this morning’s special school board meeting it had been a “lifelong dream” of his to be Oxford’s head football coach.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees praying, and I am in the right place,” he said.
Oxford schools Superintendent Jeff Goodwin recommended Grass to the board of education at a special meeting this morning, and the board quickly approved him. Grass was then introduced as the coach.

The new coach donned an Oxford cap as he addressed those present at the special school board meeting this morning at 9 a.m.

“We’re going to be the best we can be and that’s my only philosophy,” Grass said. “I’m not going to talk about winning state championships — it’s a day-to-day basis of the way the you work and be the best you can be every day, because you may not have a tomorrow.”
The coach said he was put at Oxford by a higher power.

"I think when God opens a door for you, you follow that door until he shuts it,” he said. “That’s the reason, bigger than me that I’m here.” “I don’t think he could put me in a better place, either,” he added.

The new coach said he planned to address players later today. Grass, who said he also interviewed for the Oxford job in 2002, was one of six candidates interviewed this weekend at Oxford. The others were: Current defensive coordinator Darrell Cline, Talladega County Central coach Chris Mahand, Washington County coach Joe Nettles, Opelika assistant Brian Blackmon and Northview of Dothan coach Thomas "Chip" Harris.

Grass was among the hottest names of the six candidates. He had just been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A Coach of the Year, in large part due to his leading Spain Park to the state championship game, where they lost to defending champion Prattville.
Grass just completed his second year at Spain Park. Prior to Spain Park, Grass has held heading coaching jobs at Albertville and Moody.