CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Northeast High School found their new head football coach, and he was an internal candidate. After serving as an Eagles assistant for over five seasons, Sam Lipsey has been promoted to lead the Northeast football program.
“Becoming a head football coach has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Lipsey told Clarksville Now. “Coaching at Northeast High School is particularly meaningful for me, as it allows me to give back to the community and build strong relationships with the students, faculty and parents.”
Lipsey was originally hired onto the Eagles coaching staff in 2017 by his former high school coach, Chad Watson. Since then, he has coached alongside two head coaches in Brandon Clark and Claude Townsend, whom he’ll replace.
During the Eagles’ latest season, Lipsey served as the assistant defensive coordinator and junior varsity head coach. He also helped coach position groups such as the running backs and defensive backs during the 2022-23 season.
For Lipsey, it’s about more than teaching technique, though.
“Coaching can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience, as it allows one to impart knowledge, teach valuable life skills and make a positive impact on the lives of young people. Additionally, coaching football at the high school level can provide an opportunity to help student-athletes develop their skills, work ethic, and teamwork abilities, while also setting them up for opportunities beyond high school,” he said.
Player background
Before his professional career as a teacher and coach, Lipsey was a standout student-athlete at multiple Clarksville-area high schools. He began his high school playing career attending Kenwood, where he was a multi-sport athlete. Lipsey produced at a high level while playing for the Knights football program.
According to Lipsey, his best season came during his sophomore season at Kenwood. He led the team with 1,198 rushing yards, averaged 8.81 per carry and averaged 119.8 per game.
Lipsey finished out his high school career attending Clarksville Academy. During his time with the Cougars, he was awarded honors such as teammate of the year and the soaring eagle award, which is awarded to a high character student-athlete.
After graduating high school, Lipsey attended Austin Peay State University. He graduated in 2018 with his bachelor’s degree in history and a minor in professional education.
2022-23 season
During the 2022-23 season, Northeast High had one of the most electric teams in Montgomery County. The Eagles were one of four teams in Montgomery County to clinch a playoff berth last year. They compiled a record of 5-5 before heading into the first round of the postseason.
Their playoff run was cut short in the first round after Munford High School defeated Northeast 36-18.