The Apprentice School's Director of Athletics, Michael W. Allen, has named John H. Davis Head Football coach.
"We are extremely excited to have Coach Davis as a part of our Builder family. He brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to recruiting at a unique institution such as The Apprentice School. His time as an assistant at Gallaudet University and also having been a successful head coach at the high school level and understanding what that responsibility brings, were two major factors in our hiring decision. At Gallaudet he was recognized nationally as one of the top assistants in the country and he has won at every stop he's been at. However, most importantly in my process of what I look for - John is a family man. He has the foundation and right personality to help us continue to develop 'The Builder Way' and to help us be successful here," states Allen.
John Davis spent the last 2 years at John Handley High School in Winchester, VA as the Head Football Coach. Davis took over a program that went 0-10 in 2015 to 4-6 in 2017.
Prior to John Handley High School, Davis was the Assistant Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Central Florida Christian Academy in Orlando, FL from 2014-2015. He led Central Florida Christian Academy to a 7-2 record and a playoff appearance. It was the 2nd winningest season in school history.
From 2008-2014, Davis was the Assistant Head Football Coach, Defensive Coordinator at Gallaudet University a NCAA Division III program in Washington, DC. His responsibilities also included Recruiting Coordinator and Admissions Liaison. In 2014, Davis was named American Football Coaches Association (ECFC) Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. Davis helped to usher Gallaudet into the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) when it began with the 2009 season. In the six seasons Gallaudet posted a 24-17 (.585) record and won the 2013 ECFC championship. Davis has coached 35 all-conference defensive players (16 first team, 15 second team, four honorable mention honorees), 12 ECFC All-Academic performers along with the 2012 ECFC Defensive Player of the Year Tony Tatum and two ECFC Rookies of the Year (2009, '10) in Tom Pangia and Tatum, respectively. Davis has coached two D3football.com All-Americans on defense (4th team, honorable mention) and three D3football.com All-East Region second team players. In 2013, Davis guided defensive end Adham Talaat, who became Gallaudet's first Gagliardi Trophy finalist, given to the top Division III football player, in school history. Talaat is also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-America performer and was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Trophy, awarded to the top small school defensive player.
During his time, the Bison accumulated a 36-34 record with Davis leading up the defense, a 34-26 record his last six seasons. Gallaudet experienced a record-breaking season in 2013 as the Bison won their first nine games, the best start in program history, had an 11-game winning streak dating back to the 2012 season, won its first ECFC championship, was nationally ranked for the first time in program history and went to its first NCAA tournament.
The Lynchburg, Va., native is a proud graduate from Liberty University where he lettered in football. The scholarship player completed three seasons with the Flames. Davis played high school football at E.C. Glass High School under the tutelage of Coach Wayne Lance, who currently coaches at Atlantic Shores Christian School in Virginia Beach, Va. At E.C. Glass, Davis was named a prep-star All-American and earned All-Region and All-District honors as a defensive back.
"I can't put into words what it means to be named the Head Football Coach at The Apprentice School. In its simplest form this is amazing because I wanted to be here. This is an unbelievable opportunity and my mindset is to come in and make sure the football program does it's part to support The Apprentice School principle of Craftsmanship, Scholarship, Leadership. I really feel we have a diamond in the rough program here in Newport News. Our young men have an opportunity to get on the job training, a world class education debt free and play college football at a high level. It's a phenomenal opportunity for the right fit. I truly want to thank the Mr. Allen, Ms. Pexton, Dr. Warren and Dr. Uzzle for believing in me and my vision for growth and development in our football program," states Davis.