Russellville Middle School has a new head football coach, and a familiar face will be in charge of the program starting with the 2021 season.

Corey Flanagan was recently named to the position of head coach and RMS athletic director after long-time and extremely successful head coach Larry Gilmer announced his retirement after 31 years as an educator.

Flanagan moves to the RMS program after serving as an assistant working with the wide receivers on offense for head varsity coach John Ritter.

He is also an assistant coach for Chris Heaps, with the state championship-winning Russellville varsity baseball program. Flanagan said his new job will not change his role with the baseball team.

“I’m very excited. When the opportunity came open, it was something I ran toward,” Flanagan said. “I really wanted to pursue this job.

“I spent a lot of time as a varsity assistant, and I’m really going to miss that role, but I think this was a perfect situation for me,” Flanagan added. “I bleed black and gold, and this place has always meant everything to me, and it’s a good chance for me to give back.”

Flanagan is a 2008 graduate of Russellville High School and was a standout performer during his playing days in both football and baseball for the Golden Tigers.

“I was a middle school player here many years ago and was actually a part of one of the undefeated teams in 2003. It’s special to me for a lot of reasons, and I think that I’m going to be able to work well together with Coach Ritter and know what he expects,” Flanagan shared.

Stepping into the position held for so many years by Gilmer is an honor for Flanagan. Gilmer had seven undefeated seasons at Russellville, along with a conference title, and was the recipient of the Dove Caring Coach of the Year award in 2015.

“You’re not going to find a better man with high character and good values,” Flanagan said of Gilmer. “Certainly big shoes to fill, but I’m excited about the opportunity.”