Southern Boone names new football coach
ASHLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Southern Boone football team has its new leader for the upcoming 2025 campaign.
On Monday night, the school district announced that former Westran offensive coordinator Tyler Tanner will take the helm of the Eagles program.
The hire comes after former head coach Mark Ross left the program to return to Marceline, where he coached prior to coming to Southern Boone.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Tanner to the Southern Boone family,” Activities Director Trent Tracy said in a press release. “His experience, passion for student-athletes, and commitment to building strong programs stood out throughout the hiring process. We are confident he will lead our football program with integrity and excellence.”
Tanner will come to Ashland with quite a bit of coaching experience under his belt. He spent the last decade at Westran, where he's been the offensive coordinator for nine of those 10 seasons. He taught weight training and previously coached receivers and defensive backs, as well. Tanner was also the head baseball coach for the Hornets for five years.
Before his time at Westran, he worked at West Plains for three years, as an assistant football and baseball coach.
Tanner graduated from Williams Baptist College, where he played baseball.
“I’m humbled and excited to be the next head football coach at Southern Boone,” Tanner said. “The program and school have a rich tradition of success built off the foundation of hardworking kids, strong leadership and a supportive community. When I stepped in the building, I knew there was a sense of pride here, and I can’t wait to get started on the opportunity to build something special!”
In his new role, Tanner emphasized, in a press release, the importance of developing well-rounded student-athletes.
“I look forward to developing not just great players on the field, but great people off the field,” he said. “We will focus on self-discipline, teamwork, and a high-character mindset while representing Southern Boone with class and pride each day—both on and off the field.
The Eagles will open their 2025 campaign on the road against Odessa on Aug. 29.
