I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that I have known Coach Philip Haywood for 3 decades now since he came to Belfry in 1984. In that time I have grown in my respect for the man who I will always know as simply Coach. His impact on the Belfry community, however, goes so much further beyond the football field.

 

As most of you know, he recently was awarded "Best Coach in the USA" by USA Today on the heels of a voting campaign by fans. I haven't said much about that on here, but it wasn't because I have nothing to say. Books could be written about the man and this award is an honor. However, I know that he is not particularly fond of the attention. He is very low key and humble about any personal accolades and when asked about this award, he always deflects the attention to all those around him from players to administration to assistant coaches to the fans. He likes to say, "It's not about me, it's not about you, it's about US". That is a nice way of saying that that Belfry is a unique place where the community still is close, we love our kids, we love our school and we definitely love our football.

 

The fact that this small community came together to out vote every other coach in the country is something that deserves mention and a testament to how much he is loved and respected. The dedication of this fan base does not surprise me but sometimes it surpasses normal levels. Of course, it is not unexpected that his own fans would be supportive, that is expected, especially for someone like Coach Haywood.

 

A better measure may be to read what his colleagues have to say about him. When you are successful at coaching, and when you have been coaching for 38 years, you will leave a mark on other coaches you have come into contact with. That may be a positive or a negative impression, but very rarely will it be neutral. The point of this article was to publish the comments of some of the other coaches in Kentucky that have coached with or against Coach Haywood.

 

Others respect hard work, dedication of legendary coach

By: Teddy Paynter - [email protected], Staff Writer

Published: 11/08/2013

 

Here is what other coaches throughout the region think about Belfry’s Philip Haywood:

 

 

“Coach Haywood is the standard when it comes to running a program with class and dignity.” — East Ridge head coach Brad Allen

 

 

“It was a tremendous honor for me to coach against him in high school. Nobody works harder for their kids and program than he does.” — UPIKE head coach Dudley Hilton

 

 

“Coach Haywood has always been a class act as a coach and person. He is not only a great coach but also a great person. He has helped me over the years both on and off the field.” — Sheldon Clark head coach Shawn Hager

 

 

“Coach Haywood was my high school coach. I played for him his last season at Prestonsburg. He got me started in coaching at Belfry High School and I appreciate all he has done for me and my family. I will tell you what kind of man he is……my dad would come to practice and say Coach Haywood called me today and I would ask dad what he wanted…..dad would say he was just seeing how I was doing. To me that sums up why he got this award and is such a successful man.” — Prestonsburg head coach John DeRossett.

 

 

“Coach Haywood has served on many different committees that have promoted football in Kentucky. The one thing that I can say about Coach Haywood is that he’s a winner on the field and off the field. If there was a model to copy for young coaches, it would be Coach Haywood. He develops young men into winners and to take pride in what they do.” — South Floyd head coach Donnie Daniels

 

 

“Great coach but even better person. First class coach that always showed our teams respect. We had some battles over the years. Very deserving of this honor.” — Letcher Central head coach Mike Holcomb

 

 

“A month ago when I was told that I was in a KY COY contest I was honored. I knew, however, I did not have a shot at winning after looking at all of the other coaches I was featured with, especially Coach Phillip Haywood from Belfry. It was an honor just to be mentioned in the same article as him. Our games against Belfry have been classics to me, not just because of the close scores but because I have got to coach against one of the best coaches in the state. This award could not have been given to a better man or coach.” — Louisville Central head coach Ty Scroggins

 

 

“Any award that he receives; there is not a coach that deserves it more than him. The values and morals that he instills in his players will help prepare them in their transition into adulthood. He not only mentors students associated with the football program at BHS but comes in contact with many other students throughout various activities within the school. I had the pleasure to play for him his first two years on Pond Creek and he has taught me a million things in my many years as an assistant coach under him. The Belfry community, Pike County and the state of Kentucky is lucky to have him. Love him or criticize him, one word that describes him is winner.” — Belfry assistant coach Todd Cassell

 

 

“I consider it a great honor to be able to say that I am in the same profession as Coach Phillip Haywood. In my dealings with Coach Haywood I have found him to be the consummate gentleman and scholar. Coach Haywood’s teams are a reflection of him, a reflection that demonstrates excellence on the field and a strong presence of good sportsmanship. I have had the privilege and I guess some would say the misfortune of competing against Coach Haywood’s teams both as a player and as a coach and I have always found coach and his teams to be an exceptional model for how high school football teams and coaches should be.” — Shelby Valley head coach Aaron Stepp

 

 

“Coach Haywood has had a great impact on coaching in the mountains. He has brought respect and honor to eastern Kentucky.” — Betsy Layne head coach Jonathan Parsons

 

 

“Coach Haywood has been consistent over the years he has been coaching and is reflected in his success. He’s an old-school coach and that continued to do what he does and do it well in a game that has seen so many changes since his beginning. You wouldn’t have to twist one coaches arm in our state to say he isn’t deserving of this honor.” — Ashland Blazer head coach Tony Love

 

 

“It is not a surprise to see that Coach Haywood has been voted the USA Today Best Coach in the Nation. His record reflects this nomination, but more than that his treatment of his former players, current players, coaches, opposing coaches, opposing players and everyone he comes into contact with shows the type of character that he has. He has been a role model to me throughout my career and has helped me many times. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Haywood and he deserves this recognition.” — Hazard head coach Mark Dixon

 

 

“As a veteran coach I know the heat and pressure that come with the job.

 

 

I want to congratulate Phillip Haywood on this outstanding honor. He has achieved more in his career than many in all the U.S. He is a proven winner on and off the field. A perfect gentleman that I have enjoyed knowing and competing with over the years. “ — Harlan County head coach Tom Larky

 

 

“Coach Haywood is a class act. He is a very tough opponent on the field and a gentleman off the field. I have been battling against him since 1975 when I was a player and he was a first-year coach at Prestonsburg. I was also on the committee that chose coach Haywood as the new BHS coach in 1984.” — Johnson Central head coach Jim Matney

 

 

“I can’t think of anyone in our profession who is more deserving of this honor than Coach Haywood. To be able to compete for a state football championship year in and year out takes great dedication, not only from him but his coaches and players. He is a class act that represents the mountains with class.”

— Somerset head coach Robbie Lucas

 

 

“I’ve always respected the way Coach Haywood runs his program. As impressed as I am with his coaching abilities, I am more impressed with him as a person. There have been several times that I have called him to ask for his advice on different things. He has always been helpful more than willing to listen. He is well deserving of this award.” — Pikeville head coach Chris McNamee

Edited November 14, 201312 yr by Watusi

I dont know the man but his name is certainly legendary in the State of KY.

 

Congrats to Coach as this is a tremendous honor for both him and the entire State of KY...:thumb:

Like Sweeper, I don't know Coach Haywood, but if you know KY High School Football you know the name of Coach Haywood and of his fine teams.

 

Terrific Honor for a man who has obviously dedicated his life for his school, players and community!

 

Congratulations!

That's an awesome honor and it's nice to see all the things other have to say about him. Does Coach Haywood teach? Did he teach? If so, what did he teach? The reason I ask is because he always carried himself as a thinker and he always looked to me like a math teacher.

I voted for him about ten different times on different computers. A certain pastor and his wife from Belfry located down here conducted a Facebook campaign for votes, so you can count some Bardstownians in that final vote tally. He certainly sounds like a man I would like to meet.

gchs, Coach has always been the guidance counselor at Belfry and to my knowledge has never taught in the classroom. He is a thinker and I think a psychology major in college.

 

Hearsay, you would like him. He is really interesting and he would probably rather talk about current events or the ballet or what ever you are interested in than football. He is unique.

 

I will never forget the fall of '84. First day if practice, new coach, new system, everybody kind of on edge. Coach falls out for practice wearing a giant sombrero complete with tassels. Thing is, he is just business as usual like it is the most normal thing in the world and everybody wears a sombrero to practice in the coalfields of eastern Kentucky. That took the edge off and looking back it was the perfect thing to do but at the time we thought he was a nut :lol2: