David Diamont says he’ll work to build relationships as Randleman’s new football coach. (Photo courtesy Randleman athletics)
RANDLEMAN – David Diamont saw his father lead high school football programs for decades and knew he wanted to do the same.
Now he’ll have that chance at Randleman.
“This definitely is a dream of mine,” Diamont said. “It’s new territory for me. I’m excited to get to work and learn.”
Diamont, 35, had been offensive coordinator at Burns for the past three seasons.
He takes over for Shane Timmons, who stepped aside following his fifth season as Randleman’s head coach because of family commitments.
“I’ve got all the emotions,” Diamont said. “I’m extremely, extremely grateful for the opportunity.”
He’s the son of retired coach David Diamont, who guided teams at East Surry, Mount Airy and South Stokes to more than 300 total victories.
“Growing up with a father that is his profession, you see how many young individuals he comes in contact with and his relationships with them every day,” he said. “I learned a lot at an early age.”
During the younger Diamont’s three seasons at Burns, the team churned out a 29-10 record. The team averaged at least 36 points per game in each of those seasons.
Before going to Burns, he had been on his father’s staff at South Stokes as defensive coordinator for two seasons. Diamont said he learned during his first job at West Stokes under coach Jimmy Upchurch the value of being well-versed in all areas.
“That has always stuck with me,” he said. “That learning process never stops. Football is always changing.”
Randleman was 9-3 last season after records of 7-1, 4-7, 7-4 and 10-2 under Timmons. The Tigers were second in the Piedmont Athletic Conference behind Eastern Randolph in each of the past three seasons.
“I think I’m coming into a good situation,” he said. “Coach Timmons left a very established program. There’s a lot of good athletes.”
Diamont is an East Surry and Appalachian State graduate. He said he wants to become immersed in the Randleman community.
He begins his job Monday at Randleman. He’ll also instruct weight training and might move into a limited role teaching health and physical education.
“Things are moving quick,” Diamont said. “We’re kind of hitting the ground running.”
