The Douglas Byrd Eagles have their next head football coach. It is a familiar name: Dontre Brown, an alum of the high school.

Brown, a class of 2002 graduate, played under legendary Byrd head coach Bob Paroli. The 6-foot-1, 320-pound defensive lineman went on to play at East Carolina University. He received a degree in Early Childhood Development during his time as a Pirate.

This will be the first head coaching role for Brown, who was most recently the defensive coordiantor at Garner High School in Wake County. Brown also worked as an assistant coach at Terry Sanford High, Gray’s Creek High, E.E. Smith High, and Smithfield-Selma High. The coach is taking over the program from Maurice Huey.

Byrd is coming off of a 1-9 finish in 2024.

The Eagle program has a lot of history. The team has advanced to six championships, but came up short in each. A few of the runner-up finishes came in one-score games.

With an average daily membership of 1,194 students this school year, Byrd is set to become a 5A program once the N.C. High School Athletic Association officially realigns into eight classifications later this year.

In the second draft of proposed conferences, Byrd was placed into a 5A/6A league with fellow 5A St. Pauls and 6As E.E. Smith, Gray’s Creek, Scotland County, Seventy-First, South View, Terry Sanford, and Westover. The conference plans are subject to change following the appeals period.

Here is the statement that was sent out by the school’s administration:

Douglas Byrd High School is proud to announce the hiring of Mr. Dontre Brown as the new head coach of the Eagles Varsity football program.

Coach Brown brings a proven history of success, leadership, and a commitment to fostering growth both on and off the field for student-athletes. Coach Brown joins Douglas Byrd with 16 years of coaching experience, including tenure at Terry Sanford High, Gray’s Creek High, E.E. Smith High, Smithfield Selma High and most recently as the Defensive Coordinator at Garner High School. Coach Brown is also a proud 2002 graduate of Douglas Byrd High School where he played under legendary Coach Bob Paroli.

“I am honored to return home to the Douglas Byrd High School family and lead the Varsity football program. My focus will be on reestablishing our winning tradition while instilling core values like academic excellence, sportsmanship, accountability, and perseverance in our student-athletes,” said Coach Brown.

Principal Kenneth Williams shared enthusiasm about the new hire, stating, “Coach Brown embodies the qualities we look for in a leader. His vision for the program aligns with our goals of athletic and academic excellence.”

Coach Brown studied Early Childhood Development at East Carolina University, were he was a stand-out defensive linemen. He looks forward to beginning work with the team as preparations for the upcoming season are already underway.