St. George assistant to be head football coach

Even back then, Tim Thompson saw something in Andre Lott.

Lott — who starred as a defensive back under Thompson during Melrose’s heyday in the late-1990s — came to Orange Mound from Sherwood Junior High as a quarterback. But he eventually developed into an all-star in the secondary, and a leader. Albeit not a real vocal one. “He’s really quiet, real humble,” Thompson said. “He can relate to all different types of people. He led by example; he wasn’t a rah-rah type of guy but he was focused on the details. I think it’s a great move for St. George’s.”

The Gryphons made it official late last week with the announcement that they were promoting Lott into the head coaching role that had been vacant since the school and David Carter parted ways in early April. Lott has been an assistant at St. George’s since 2015.

“Andre brings the requisite knowledge, skill, experience, and commitment to excellence necessary to fulfill these responsibilities well,” St. George’s athletic director Tom Densford said in a statement. “We are beyond excited that he raised his hand for the job.”

Lott — who will turn 39 on Thursday — will certainly be able to impart some first-hand lessons to his players.

After graduating from Melrose he signed with Tennessee and had a standout career before being selected by Washington in the 2002 NFL Draft. He also played for San Diego, Chicago and Pittsburgh in his five-year career.

Lott inherits a program that struggled in 2017 but is traditionally one of the area’s top Division II programs. The Gryphons finished 4-7 last year but won state championships in 2015, 2011 and 2008 and have finished runner-up on three other occasions.

The school has also hired former CBHS assistant David Stooksbury as offensive coordinator while Josh Crouch arrives from Wilson Central to handle the d-coordinator duties.

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas.