FORK UNION, VA — Fork Union Military Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Troy Taylor as the Academy's new Head Varsity Football Coach, elevating him from his current role within the Academy's postgraduate football program.   
  
The appointment follows the resignation of former Head Coach Dealton Cotton, who stepped down for personal reasons. Cotton, the 2026 Virginia Prep League Coach of the Year, helped lead the Blue Devils to their highest win total since 2019 and played a key role in reigniting the competitive spirit of Fork Union Football. Under his leadership, six Blue Devils earned postseason honors.  
  
"We extend our sincere appreciation to Dealton Cotton for his dedicated service and leadership," said Vice President of Cadet Life John Blake. "During his tenure, he made a meaningful impact on our student-athletes both on and off the field, and we are grateful for his commitment to the mission and values of Fork Union Military Academy. We wish him and his family continued success in their next chapter."  
  
Blake expressed his confidence that Taylor is the right person to continue building on the program's momentum.   

"We are excited to announce Troy Taylor as our next Head Varsity Football Coach," added Blake. "Coach Taylor has been an important part of the success of our postgraduate football program and brings tremendous energy, passion, and a clear vision for the future of Fork Union Football. He understands what it means to represent this institution, and we are confident he will build on the momentum of this past season. The future of Fork Union football is bright, and we are excited for what lies ahead."
 
A seasoned coach with more than 25 years of football coaching experience, including 13 years as a successful head coach, Taylor brings a wealth of leadership, player development experience, and recruiting expertise to one of Virginia's most storied high school football programs.   

Since joining Fork Union's postgraduate football staff in 2024, Taylor has served as Offensive and Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, helping strengthen the program both on the field and on the recruiting trail. Prior to his time at Fork Union, Taylor held collegiate coaching roles at Edward Waters University and Virginia Union University, where he helped guide Virginia Union to its first NCAA Division II playoff appearance in 24 years and coached the 2015 Willie Lanier Award winner Jada Byers, recognized as the top Division II/III football player in Virginia.   

Taylor's coaching résumé also includes successful head coaching tenures at Lloyd C. Bird High School, Meadowbrook High School, and Amelia County High School, where he established a reputation for building competitive programs, mentoring student-athletes, and developing college-level talent. During his time at Meadowbrook, Taylor led the program to its first district championship in school history in 2012 and earned three Coach of the Year honors. Over the course of his career, he has helped develop more than 100 players who advanced to the collegiate level, including NFL standouts Morgan Moses and Brandian Ross.  

"As I enter my third year at this special place, I feel truly blessed for the opportunity to lead a program built on one of the richest traditions in football," said Taylor. "I believe deeply in the values, mission, and brotherhood of Fork Union Military Academy. This is a school with an unmatched history, more NFL players than any other prep school in America and two Heisman Trophy winners. That legacy speaks for itself.  

"But what makes Fork Union truly special goes beyond football. It is the commitment to developing young men in Body, Mind, and Spirit and living out the 'Grind Now. Shine Later.' mentality every day.  

"I am excited about the young student-athletes returning to lead our program, including Nehemiah Allen, SeQuean Wiley, Braeden Watts, and David Jenkins, and I cannot wait to get to work building on the foundation already in place.  
"I want to thank President CAPT Mark Black, John Blake, John Shuman, Frank Arritt, and former head coaches Eddie Handsome and Dealton Cotton. These are men I respect greatly and am proud to call friends. Their support and leadership mean a great deal to me.  

I am humbled by this opportunity and energized for what lies ahead. We will honor the tradition, uphold the standard, and work every day to develop champions on the field and leaders in life."  

Taylor steps into the role at an important time for Fork Union Football, a program with a rich tradition of excellence and a national reputation for developing young men both on and off the field. His experience as a teacher, mentor, and program builder aligns closely with the Academy's mission of developing young men in body, mind, and spirit.