Coach Derek Russell

Derek Russell is an accomplished football coach and former athlete with a strong record of leadership and performance. A 1997 Pebblebrook graduate, he earned a scholarship to play fullback at Furman University, where he graduated in 2001 and remains in the record books for single-season and career touchdowns. With over a decade of coaching experience, including eight years at McEachern and three years as East Paulding’s defensive coordinator, Russell is recognized for his ability to build genuine player relationships, apply servant leadership principles, and maintain exceptional organizational skills. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Syreeta, and together they have two sons: Derek II, who coaches alongside him, and Kaiden, a freshman defensive lineman at Centre College.