Tallman Named Springfield High School Head Football Coach

SPRINGFIELD, VT. - Springfield High School (SHS) recently announced the hiring of Kevin Tallman as the school's new varsity head football coach. Tallman, who has been the Cosmos assistant head coach and defensive coordinator the last two seasons, takes over for Jack Cohun, who recently stepped down as head coach for personel reasons.

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Photo courtesy of Coach Tallman

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Once the position was posted, several candidates throughout New England applied for the position, and a hiring committee was established for the interview process. "The candidates needed to really show they had the proper credentials, certifications and abilities to manage, grow and maintain a viable football program," Kevin Tallman said in a recent, exclusive interview.

Coach Tallman not only has the foundation of already being a part of the Cosmos football program for two years, but also a wealth of local coaching experience over the last 30-plus years, including coaching stints at Stevens High School, Hanover High School, John Starks High School and his alma mater, Fall Mountain Regional High School.

The Cosmos coaching staff will include Keith Duford as the offensive coordinator, Jon Beamon as defensive coordinator and Nate Emerson as the offensive line and special teams coach. "All coaches on our staff are very committed and passionate in turning around the fortunes of Cosmos football," Tallman said.

SHS alumni will also be included in the coaching staff, as coach Tallman is currently in the process of interviewing other individuals to add to the staff and scout team. "Our coordinators are all highly regarded as outstanding coaches with high morals and character," Tallman added.

"Some of the coaches will be unpaid and are willing to volunteer because of their passion to see the Cosmos football program succeed and regain a competitive edge in Vermont high school football." Once the full coaching staff is in place, there will be a "meet-and-greet" for players, parents and the community alike.

Coach Tallman has also developed a football model of 1-3 years and 3-5 years, creating a blueprint to rebuild the Cosmos' football program. "However, it is also going to take the parents, alumni, administration, players and community of Springfield as well," he added.

"As a staff, we plan on involving parents, community, the school and alumni in rebuilding and growing the football program. Increased player participation is key, also showing the players that we, as a collective group, have a vested interest in their well-being.

"Student-athletes need to know that they can trust us and that we are passionate about the program," Tallman continued. "It isn't about me, nor the coaching staff. It is about the student-athletes and the community of Springfield for without them, we have no program."

Coach Tallman also expressed the need of the Springfield High School student body to come forth with a renewed passion and vigor. "We are asking for students to put aside any negatives and be part of Cosmos Nation, whether it be as a football player, supporter, fan, or in any capacity that they are comfortable with."

In order to compete in Division II, the Cosmos will need to increase roster numbers, which will allow underclassmen to develop by playing against other schools in their age-brackets, such as reserve and JV games.

"We have a core of very good athletes that need to have a supporting cast around them," coach Tallman concluded. "As a program, we need more numbers so our football players can play in a platoon situation, instead of always having to play both ways (offense and defense). This is the main difference between DII and DIII football in Vermont."