In his first interview since being named Head Coach, Dr. Byron Slack discusses his vision for the Brunswick High Pirates, the lessons of his military and athletic background, and his plan to build a culture of "toughness and love" in the Golden Isles.

Q: After a successful tenure at Cook High and your history with championship programs like Camden County, what specifically drew you to the Brunswick High Pirates?
Dr. Byron Slack: "What attracted me to the job here at Brunswick High School is the incredible foundation and success the program has built over the last several years. It is a rare and exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role where the team is already performing at a high level—coming off a 9-2 season and consistent recent success. I wanted to be part of a program that has that kind of momentum and a community that expects excellence."

Q: As a U.S. Navy veteran and University of West Georgia Hall of Fame athlete, how do those experiences shape the way you lead a locker room of young men?
Dr. Byron Slack: "When I reflect on my military service and my college playing career, the most paramount lesson I carry with me is the necessity of selflessness. To be an effective leader, you have to understand that your individual needs must come second to the needs of the program. I often say that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. That perspective isn’t just from my professional life; I grew up as the youngest of eight boys in a military family where the oldest was only 11 years my senior. My childhood was essentially a combination of boot camp and a college dorm. When I lead a locker room, my goal is to ensure every player is bought into that mindset—that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves."

Q: Every community wants a team they can be proud of. What will be the "non-negotiables" for players representing the BHS jersey under your leadership?
Dr. Byron Slack: "My first non-negotiable is that you must represent this program with love. I tell the kids we won’t shy away from that word—there is nothing 'soft' about love. If you truly love something, you will do everything in your power to protect it, respect it, and keep it intact. That means being where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to be there. Beyond that, football is a physical game played by physical young men. Another non-negotiable is toughness. I want players who embrace the physicality of this sport and have a relentless willingness to go after the competition until the whistle blows. We are going to love this program unconditionally and play this game with a physical edge."

Q: Reflecting on the conclusion of the 2025 season, what is your message to the players, their families, and the Pirate fans regarding your goals and expectations for this upcoming year?
Dr. Byron Slack: "The end of the 2025 season was a difficult situation that no one wanted to be involved in. I’ve told the players that while this happened to us, it is not an indictment of who we are. People will be watching us closely this year, and I view that as a tremendous opportunity. We aren't going to sidestep the past; we’re going to own it and change the narrative. If the eyes of the state are on us, let’s give them something worth watching. We are going to show everyone that Brunswick Football is about discipline and grit. That incident was isolated, and our focus now is putting our best foot forward and proving what this program truly stands for."

Q: What can the Golden Isles community expect to see when they watch a Dr. Byron Slack-coached team on Friday nights?
Dr. Byron Slack: "The community can expect to see a team that is 'disciplined in the moment.' Most kids know what they are supposed to do, but the ability to remain disciplined under pressure is what separates good teams from great ones—it’s what wins you a game in week 12. I don’t shy away from words like 'physical,' 'ferocious,' or 'intimidating.' When you come out on a Friday night, you are going to see a group of young men playing the game the way it was meant to be played. My goal is for this community to see a team that competes with a relentless, physical edge from the first whistle to the last, but possesses the character to shake hands and hold their heads high when they leave the field. We will be a fierce opponent for four quarters, but we will always represent our families and the Brunswick community with class."