Mosley's Barth takes over as Port St. Joe head football coach

PORT ST. JOE - Mosley High School's loss is Port St. Joe's gain.

Port St. Joe Principal Duane McFarland announced Thursday the selection of Vern Barth, assistant head coach the past three seasons at Mosley, as the Tiger Sharks next head football coach and athletic director.

The hiring is pending approval by the Gulf County School Board. Board members are scheduled to take up the hire during their regular meeting on Tuesday.

Barth would succeed John Palmer, who went 57-27 in seven seasons at Port St. Joe, winning three regional titles and the 2005 Class 1A state championship.

"I feel I have big shoes to fill and I know that, but I am up to the challenge," Barth said. "I think you need a challenge. This community expects success in athletics and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm just excited to be here. This is a great school and a great community."

Assisting in the transition is that Barth could be considered part of the extended Palmer football family tree.

Palmer's Hall of Fame coach father, Dub, gave Mosley coach Perry Brown his first coaching job. Brown in turn coached the younger Palmer in high school, and Barth has been an assistant head coach with Brown at Dunnellon and Mosley. Barth also coached at Hernando, where John Palmer landed last month, between those stints.

Barth, 36 next month, also runs a version of the Fling-T offensive scheme that John Palmer employed at Port St. Joe. Brown also uses a variation of that offense.

"I think that is a benefit and a plus, especially this late in the game" as the 2008 season starts late next month, Barth said. "Coach Brown has been a great mentor. I've learned a lot from him, particularly patience and putting players in the right spots.

"He's excited for me, but he's sad to see me go."

Brown said he hired Barth seven years ago in Dunnellon, then brought him to Lynn Haven when Brown took over as head coach at Mosley.

"I liked him right off the bat," Brown said. "I was looking for a line coach at the time. When I came here I was able to bring in one coach, and he's the one I wanted.

"He's a very loyal person, he knows this offense. He's got a great coach's mind, he listens well, and the kids love him. I think he's ready" for his first head coaching job in football.

Given the returning roster, the Tiger Sharks fit knowledge with need in hiring Barth. Port St. Joe is rebuilding its offensive line, an area where Barth, who played four years at Culver-Stockton College in Missouri, has particular expertise.

The schedule will provide early tests. The Tiger Sharks open at Tallahassee Florida High, a state semifinalist in Class 2B last year, followed by home games against traditional rival Blountstown and district foe Jay.

"I think it makes kids play at a higher level when they are playing tougher competition," Barth said.

Barth already has met with all but one of the coaching staff he inherits from Palmer, and plans a Monday afternoon meeting with the team. He has met individually with several players.

"I want to try to get the unity back together," Barth said. "If you can get the troops behind you they are ready to go to war."

Barth said his wife, Michelle, with whom he has a son, Vernon, is from a small town and was excited about returning to a small-town atmosphere.

"Everybody has been super friendly and supportive," Barth said.

McFarland said he had a number of applications for the job since Palmer left last month, and narrowed his interviews to eight candidates. Barth was the lone assistant coach among them, and impressed McFarland during their three-hour interview.

"He had a lot of leadership about him, a lot of excitement and passion," McFarland said. "Something about Vern and his excitement and passion sold me. He is a real good communicator. I think he will be a players coach. I was very impressed with this guy."

McFarland also recalled that he had no head coaching experience before being given an opportunity at Port St. Joe High School in the mid-1980s. That opportunity ultimately led to a McFarland-coached baseball team winning a state title in 1997.

"(Barth) is an up-and-coming coach," McFarland said. "This guy is ready to be a head coach and I think he'll fit right in. Everybody needs to get a chance. I really do feel I found the quality person I was looking for."

Barth's departure has forced Brown to restructure his staff. He said Thursday that his plans are to move Bill Graff into Barth's role as offensive line coach, a position Graff has filled before. Graff had been defensive coordinator, and Brown said that Danny Nagy will assume that responsibility.

Brown was unsure, considering the current Bay District Schools hiring freeze, if another coach can be added to his staff prior to the first day of fall practice on Aug. 11.

News Herald Executive Sports Editor Pat McCann contributed to this report