Coleman Recognized for Years of Service By AFCA

Roosevelt Coleman(second from left) was recognized for his years of service. Longtime Johnson High School teacher, coach and athletics director Roosevelt Stuart Coleman was recently recognized by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for his many years of service to the sport.

Coleman was among 43 current and former coaches to receive plaques for at least 35 years as members of the AFCA during their convention in Orlando, FL on January 12, 2010.

Coleman began coaching at Johnson High in 1978. During his tenure with the Atom Smashers, Coleman has been physical education teacher, driver education teacher, athletics director, track coach, assistant basketball coach and head football coach. Coleman served as AD from 1985-09, track coach from 1978-05 and head football coach from 1978-85. Coleman retired in 2005 but came back on a part time basis the following year.

Before arriving at SCJ, Coleman worked at William James High School (1963- 68) in Statesboro, GA as assistant principal, teacher, AD, football, basketball and track coach. Coleman left Statesboro and went to Monroe High (1968-75) in Albany, Georgia where he worked as a teacher, coaching assistant in football, track and basketball. From Albany, Coleman landed in Pensacola, FL at Pine Forest High School (1975-78) where he was a teacher head track coach and an assistant football coach.

Coleman grew up in Anniston, Alabama and was a standout athlete at Cobb High School in football and track.

Coleman played for the Rattlers from 1959-62 as offensive and defensive tackle. "I went to FAMU 6-2, 195 and I left 6-2, 235.”

In 2005, Coleman was named as a member of the FAMU Centennial Team for his outstanding play on the gridiron. He is also a member of the FAMU Hall of Fame.

The proud Rattler has been married to Vernelle M. Coleman, a Savannah State grad and a retired educator for the past 44 years. The Coleman’s have two sons, William and Richard and seven grandchildren.

Coleman is a member of First African Baptist Church of East Savannah where he is a deacon and chairman of the Board of Trustees.