Bost resigns as Jackrabbits football coach; Taggart Moore is interim head coach

Lonoke assistant coach Taggart Moore talks to his players during a practice in 2015. Moore was named interim head coach following the resignation of Doug Bost. (Photos by Mark Buffalo)

By Mark Buffalo

Staff Writer

@markbuffalo

LONOKE — Longtime Lonoke Jackrabbits football coach Doug Bost resigned Tuesday after his team started the season 1-3. 

Bost, who complied a 46-39 record in seven-plus seasons, is being replaced in the interim by fourth-year assistant Taggart Moore. 

In a statement released by Lonoke Schools superintendent Suzanne Bailey, Bost requested to “relinquish his Lonoke High School head football coaching responsibilities.”

“Coach Bost feels too much negative attention is being generated in the community towards the football program, and he does not want to be a distraction to the players, parents, fans or school,” Bailey said in the statement. “We are appreciative of Coach Bost’s contributions and know he will continue to be a valuable member of the Lonoke School District.”

Bost will remain in the district as a teacher.

Moore, who has been the defensive coordinator the last two seasons, came to Lonoke after a one-year stint as an assistant at Marion following his graduation from the University of Central Arkansas at Conway. 

“The big thing is that this is a good opportunity,” Moore said. “But, I’m putting the emphasis back on these kids. I’m wanting to make sure that the kids are having a good time, having fun and doing what’s right and becoming good young men, maturing under my leadership.”

Moore said he hates the way he’s gotten this opportunity with the resignation of Bost. 

“Coach Bost has been a good mentor to me and a good friend,” Moore said. “I just want to do what is right by the kids and get this thing back on track. The number one thing for me is the kids and them maturing into good young men.”

Moore was also complimentary of the his coaching staff.

"They came ready to work hard today," he said. "I couldn't have done it without them. We had a great practice."

Moore and his wife Anna, also a teacher at Lonoke High School, have been married for three years.

The Jackrabbits will play their first game with Moore as head coach Friday night when they take on the Baptist Prep Eagles in Little Rock. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Doug Bost