There has been a fair amount of turnover with the Brighton High School head football coaching job the last few years.
Morgan Cruce, last season’s coach, was on the job for just one season.
The man hired to replace him, Keith Setler, is conducting spring practice this week with his new team and one thing’s he’s preaching is commitment – from the players, the fans and himself.
“There’s been a lot of (head coaching) turnover at Brighton High School, too much,” Setler said Monday afternoon after practice. “This is the start of something and I plan on being here for a while … This is a destination job and I’m not looking to go anywhere else.”
Monday’s weather was perfect for a spring practice with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 60s. Setler’s booming voice could be heard from the parking lot as he directed the offense.
Setler said his focus right now is getting the players and coaches on board with his plans as well as assessing talent.
“I’m getting to know the kids and what they can do,” Setler said. “I want to form my own opinion. Getting to see them in action has been great. Some kids have surprised me.”
One of the first things Setler did when was hired was to have the players form a seven-person leadership council.
“It makes things run smoother. You need to have those field generals.”
Getting fans and the community to buy is another point of emphasis for Setler. After Brighton travels to Collierville for a scrimmage on Thursday, the red and black intrasquad game will be held Friday at 6 p.m. to wrap up spring practice. The event is free and open to the public.
