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| Lonoke football coach Taggart Moore talks to his offensive line during the 2017 season. Moore is stepping down as Jackrabbits football coach, going into loan selling business. (Photo by Mark Buffalo) |
By Mark Buffalo
Staff Writer
LONOKE — Taggart Moore had a career opportunity he could not pass up.
Moore, 32, the head football coach of the Lonoke Jackrabbits for 2 1/2 years, is stepping down to make a career move, getting out of education.
Moore is going to work as a loan officer at First Trust Home Loans, based in Sheridan but with a satellite office in Cabot.
“It is something I don’t take lightly,” Moore said, referring to being the head coach of the Jackrabbits. “I didn’t think I’d ever get out of coaching and teaching. I thought I’d be doing this for the next 25 years. I love football and I love the game and I love coaching.
“But this is an opportunity to do something different, an opportunity for me to do things for my family that I can’t do while I’m coaching. It just came down to that. It’s an opportunity for my family that I couldn’t pass up. I can now spend more time with my family.”
Moore said he will continue to teach and fulfill his contract, which expires June 30.
Moore said his wife Anna will continue to teach at Lonoke High School. They have a young son, Mills.
Moore was named interim coach of the Jackrabbits following the resignation of longtime coach Doug Bost following a 1-3 start in 2016. The Jackrabbits finished the season 2-4 under Moore. In the 2017, Lonoke went 3-7 but took a major step forward in 2018 as the Jacrkabbits went 6-6, including a home playoff victory over Prairie Grove.
“I think differently it’s in a good spot,” Moore said of the Jackrabbits football program. “Talking to Dr. Tackett [Lonoke Superintendent John Tackett], we kind of discussed it and how it’s in a much better place than what I found it in. There are so many positive things doing on there right now.”
Tackett spoke highly of Moore.
"In the short time I've known him, he seems to be an educator of the highest character who puts students first," Tackett said. "He treats fellow coaches and colleagues with respect and is a great role model for students. From what I have seen, he models the skills, values and character traits most sought after in coaching and teaching.
"He will be greatly missed. We wish Coach Moore the very best and appreciate all he has done."
"In the short time I've known him, he seems to be an educator of the highest character who puts students first," Tackett said. "He treats fellow coaches and colleagues with respect and is a great role model for students. From what I have seen, he models the skills, values and character traits most sought after in coaching and teaching.
"He will be greatly missed. We wish Coach Moore the very best and appreciate all he has done."
Tackett said the football coaching position will be posted on the school website and will including a physical education teaching assignment.
"Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be selected by a district-level team comprised of administrators and coaches," Tackett said.
Moore said he's leaving a great job.
"Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be selected by a district-level team comprised of administrators and coaches," Tackett said.
Moore said he's leaving a great job.
“Whoever takes that job is going to be in a really good position to win a conference championship next year,” Moore said. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work, and I want the program to success. I feel like it’s going to.”
