Top 'Dog

"I have dreamed about this for a long time," new head football coach says

Matt Baide | Jan 27, 20220

Justin Johnson count

After eight years as an assistant, including serving as associate head coach and defensive coordinator the past two seasons, Rob Thomas was chosen as North Mason High School's head football coach, the Belfair school announced Friday.

Rob Thomas is the new head football coach at North Mason High School.

"I really can't put into words how excited I am to lead the Bulldogs," Thomas told the Journal in an email. "We have all the pieces to our puzzle, now it's time to put it together. I have dreamed about this day for a long time and for it to finally become a reality is one of the greatest feelings ever."

Thomas Mosby resigned from the head coaching position after two seasons. In an email to the Journal, Mosby, who had a 27-year football coaching career, said health problems and the past two seasons coaching in a COVID-19 environment were factors in his decision to resign. He said he enjoyed his time working with the administration staff, community and coaching staff "to re-establish North Mason as a consistent winner!"

"The NM football program is in good shape and poised for success thanks to the administration focus on putting a good coaching staff in the building," Mosby said in an email. "The program has five coaches on the North Mason campus and that will make a big difference for success going forward. That was one of the things I enjoyed most the past two seasons is working with the coaching staff, community and administration putting the program pieces in place for long term success.

"I strongly believe the NMHS football program is headed in that direction, starting with having Rob Thomas succeed me. He is more than ready to put the time and energy in to lead the program to the type of success we have been working towards building the past few years. I am thrilled for him! I just ran out of time, energy and health to propel the program to the type of success it will experience under Rob Thomas. The pieces for success are in place and he will do well."

Mosby plans on still working at the high school as the career and college counselor and he possibly could coach track this spring.

Thomas has been coaching all levels of youth football while his sons played.

He started coaching with the high school in 2014 under Jeff Beavers and has spent the last four years as the assistant head coach, two years with Frank Hepler and two years with Mosby.

He's excited about the talent he has coming back next season, including Keaton Crank, Ethan Fore, Dakota Filer, Cole McCormick, Steven Neatherlin, Trevon Simons and Micah McIntyre.

Thomas is now a head coach in all three seasons, as he is also the girls bowling and baseball head coach.

"With the exception of my family, coaching is my lifeline," Thomas said. "I had some great coaches when I came through playing sports and I remember how much of an impact they made on a daily basis and I can only hope to do the same. Coaching to me is more than just the wins and losses. It's about teaching life lessons and learning how to overcome adversity when you are faced with different situations. The way you can impact people in a positive manner when it comes to coaching is what I love and is why I do it."

He said his coaching staff already has a plan for winter and spring football, with the weight room open three times per week and the players will have information to review in HUDL to prepare them for the upcoming changes to the program.

"I know I have baseball season coming up but I will say that spring football can't get here soon enough," Thomas said. "Go Dogs!"