Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Dillard hires Tate for football coach
Dillard has found its new football coach.
Two months after former coach Eddie Frasier died unexpectedly, the Panthers named ChaminadeMadonna offensive coordinator and Dillard grad Tyler Tate as its new head coach, Panthers athletic director Kelvin Walker said Wednesday.
“It means everything,” Tate said. “You get emotional just thinking about it, to be honest. I’ve been going to games at Dillard since I could walk with my granddad. My whole family went to Dillard. I graduated from Dillard. And now I’ve got an opportunity to come back and give back to my school, so it’s just a great opportunity. It means the world to me, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
Frasier was a Dillard graduate, and Walker said Tate being a former Dillard alumnus was a benefit for him as well. Tate’s grandfather, Woodrow Tate, was a Dillard superfan, and his father was also a Dillard graduate.
“He is an alum, and that played a factor. I wouldn’t lie to you and say it wasn’t. It
played a factor,” Walker said. “But the even greater factor was his reputation and his time that he did spend at Dillard. He played football for one of our legendary coaches, coach Ken Scott.
He also got a chance to take his talent to the next level on and off the field up at Jackson State University. … He’s from a great family. Mom’s an educator, dad’s a long-time alum and supporter — well, his family is. I’ve known Tyler for the greater part of I want to say 20 years. His dad was my son’s first coach in football. I’ve known the family for the good part of 20 years and known Tyler for a good part of that time as well. His reputation spoke for itself.”
Tate is the fourth Dillard coach in four years. Before Frasier’s death, Toriano Morgan and Rickie Hemingway each coached the Panthers for one season.
While on the staff at Chaminade, Tate won three straight state championships. Last year, Chaminade averaged 33 points per game en route to the Class 3A title.
“I know what it is to be successful; I know what it is to play in big games,” Tate said. “I feel comfortable in the situation, and I’m comfortable in my abilities as a coach and what I can do when it comes to the football field.”
Dillard had an undefeated regular season under Frasier last year, starting the season 12-0 before losing to Miami Central in the regional finals. Frasier was named the Sun Sentinel’s Broward County Class 8A-6A coach of the year.
“[The season] didn’t end the way we wanted it to end,” Walker said. “It didn’t end the way the coaching staff wanted it to end. I think that coach Tate could help us bridge that gap. With the success we had last year, bringing over successes that he’s accomplished at Chaminade and throughout his travels, with his experience, I think that’ll be a great, great combination.”
Frasier died due to diabetic ketoacidosis, Broward County Chief Medical Examiner Craig Mallak told the Sun Sentinel in April. He was 34 years old.
“We did have a conversation during the interview process — we did have a conversation with all the candidates — regarding that and how they would handle it,” Walker said. “Because this season is going to be a trying season for the team, for the coaches that will be returning with him and the community. It’s not something that we’re going to get over quickly, but we are going to move forward because coach Frasier lived that way. He wouldn’t want us [dwelling] on what happened with him. He’s in a better place, we all hope and pray.”
Tate said he knew Frasier for most of his life. He said Frasier’s influence will still be felt with the Panthers.
“I know what he was about, I know what he stood for, and I know what he meant to the school and the community,” Tate said. “I’m just going to do my best to walk in those same steps, as far as his impact off the field, and I’m going to try to make him proud with my performance with the kids on the field. He was about helping these young men and helping them progress and become good citizens in the community. That’s what he was about, and I’m going to just try my best to continue what he started.”