Culpepper Named TBT’s Football Coach

Posted Nov 21, 2006 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Nov 21, 2006 at 10:14 AM

TAMPA - Former Armwood and Tampa Bay Tech assistant coach Corries Culpepper was named the Titans’ new football coach.

Culpepper replaces Clarence Higdon, who was fired a few days before Tampa Bay Tech’s final game.

“He’s very passionate about what he does on the athletic field. He has the pulse on everything that is going on around him, and he’s not only concerned about the athlete, but all the kids at our school,” Tampa Bay Tech athletic director Derrick Gaines said.

“With his energy and vision for where we see the football program going, he will do a fantastic job for us.”

Tampa Bay Tech finished 0-10 this season and gave up 28.5 points a game. In 2005, the Titans were also 0-10 and outscored 326-88 before former coach Mike Bradley stepped down after a 10-30 record in four seasons.

Culpepper, 34, played football at Armwood and graduated in 1990. He accepted a scholarship to play for Tennessee Wesleyan and was a defensive back there.

After finishing in 1994, Culpepper played for the Albany Firebirds (Arena Football League) and Shreveport Pirates (Canadian Football League) in 1995-96 before returning to Tampa Bay and becoming a fireman.

He joined Armwood’s staff as a defensive backs coach in 2003 and was part of a team that won two of three state championships before leaving to become Tampa Bay Tech’s defensive coordinator prior to this season.

Culpepper is currently a substitute teacher who will join Tampa Bay Tech’s staff full time next year.

“We just didn’t have the structure offensively to do anything last season. The least amount of defensive plays we had was 62 and the most was 84 against Robinson. By the time the end of the season came, we felt like we had played 12 games,” Culpepper said. “We have a great group of young kids here, and an excellent administrative staff that is willing to work with you. ...

“We’re going to get started working really soon, and coming from Armwood, I’m not used to losing.”