Tate Along with Darren Joines, the Associate Athletics Director at Franklin Christian Academy (FCA), introduces two-time state champion David Pack as the school's new head football coach. Pack, who has been away from coaching for 14 years, discusses his return to the sidelines, his coaching philosophy, and the growth of the FCA athletic program.

The Return of David Pack


The Hiring Process: Darren Joines immediately thought of David Pack for the position after former coach Casey Jorgenson departed following a successful 6-4 season.


A New Chapter: Pack had not actively looked to return to coaching for a decade, but he felt an "itch" to return over the last couple of years while watching games from a competitive perspective.


Leadership Alignment: Pack expressed high regard for FCA's leadership, including Joines, Director of Student Life Tim Johnson, and Head of School Noah Brink, noting that the environment felt "safe" and visionary.


Familiar Energy: Pack compared the current energy and stage of development at FCA to his early days at Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) in 1996.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy


The "GOAT" Mentality: The participants discussed coaching legends, specifically naming Carlton Flatt of Brentwood Academy as the greatest of all time. Pack worked under Flatt for nine years before building the program at CPA.


Physicality on the Field: Pack emphasized that his teams will be defined by physicality and contact, a trait he believes defines the nature of football.


Multi-Sport Participation: Both Joines and Pack strongly advocate for multi-sport athletes. They argued that specialization leads to burnout and "adult-type" injuries in young athletes, whereas playing multiple sports refreshes a student's zeal for competition.


Building from Scratch: Pack is excited by the lack of traditional infrastructure at FCA—such as a stadium or weight room—viewing it as an opportunity to build a legacy from the ground up, similar to the beginnings of local powerhouse programs.

Character and Community


Mission-Tethered: Pack stated that the program will remain focused on its mission of spiritual development and authenticity, aiming to be a "beacon" of hope in sports culture.


Family Support: Pack highlighted the importance of his family's support, noting that his wife, Anne, and daughters were instrumental in his decision to return to the coaching profession.

Tate Along with Darren Joines, the Associate Athletics Director at Franklin Christian Academy (FCA), introduces two-time state champion David Pack as the school's new head football coach. Pack, who has been away from coaching for 14 years, discusses his return to the sidelines, his coaching philosophy, and the growth of the FCA athletic program.
The Return of David Pack
<ul data-path-to-node="2">
<li>
The Hiring Process: Darren Joines immediately thought of David Pack for the position after former coach Casey Jorgenson departed following a successful 6-4 season.
</li>
<li>
A New Chapter: Pack had not actively looked to return to coaching for a decade, but he felt an "itch" to return over the last couple of years while watching games from a competitive perspective.
</li>
<li>
Leadership Alignment: Pack expressed high regard for FCA's leadership, including Joines, Director of Student Life Tim Johnson, and Head of School Noah Brink, noting that the environment felt "safe" and visionary.
</li>
<li>
Familiar Energy: Pack compared the current energy and stage of development at FCA to his early days at Christ Presbyterian Academy (CPA) in 1996.
</li>
</ul>
Coaching Philosophy and Legacy
<ul data-path-to-node="4">
<li>
The "GOAT" Mentality: The participants discussed coaching legends, specifically naming Carlton Flatt of Brentwood Academy as the greatest of all time. Pack worked under Flatt for nine years before building the program at CPA.
</li>
<li>
Physicality on the Field: Pack emphasized that his teams will be defined by physicality and contact, a trait he believes defines the nature of football.
</li>
<li>
Multi-Sport Participation: Both Joines and Pack strongly advocate for multi-sport athletes. They argued that specialization leads to burnout and "adult-type" injuries in young athletes, whereas playing multiple sports refreshes a student's zeal for competition.
</li>
<li>
Building from Scratch: Pack is excited by the lack of traditional infrastructure at FCA&mdash;such as a stadium or weight room&mdash;viewing it as an opportunity to build a legacy from the ground up, similar to the beginnings of local powerhouse programs.
</li>
</ul>
Character and Community
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
Mission-Tethered: Pack stated that the program will remain focused on its mission of spiritual development and authenticity, aiming to be a "beacon" of hope in sports culture.
</li>
<li>
Family Support: Pack highlighted the importance of his family's support, noting that his wife, Anne, and daughters were instrumental in his decision to return to the coaching profession.
</li>
</ul>

Growing up in a coaching family and now the owner of Mathews Team Sports, Tate Mathews brings a unique perspective to High School Sports Saturday.

With over fifteen years in the sporting goods industry in Middle Tennessee working with and for high school administrators and coaches, Tate’s relationships provide insight into middle Tennessee high school athletics.

High School Sports Saturday covers each sport during their respective competitive seasons.  Coaches, administrators, TSSAA officials and student-athletes are interviewed each week at 8 AM on 104-5 The Zone.