Southern Boone School District has named Tyler Tanner as the new head football coach for the 2025-2026 school year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Tanner to the Southern Boone family,” said Activities Director Trent Tracy. “His experience, passion for student-athletes, and commitment to building strong programs stood out throughout the hiring process. We are confident he will lead our football program with integrity and excellence.”
Tanner brings over a decade of coaching and teaching experience to the role. He spent the past 10 years at Westran, serving as the offensive coordinator for nine seasons and the head baseball coach for five years. He also taught weight training and previously coached receivers and defensive backs. Before Westran, Tanner was at West Plains for three years, working as a middle school technology instructor and assistant football and baseball coach.
A graduate of Williams Baptist College, Tanner earned his bachelor’s degree in K-12 Health and Physical Education while competing as a collegiate baseball player. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Northwest Missouri State University.
“I’m humbled and excited to be the next head football coach at Southern Boone,” Tanner said. “The program and school have a rich tradition of success built off the foundation of hardworking kids, strong leadership and a supportive community. When I stepped in the building, I knew there was a sense of pride here, and I can’t wait to get started on the opportunity to build something special!”
Coach Tanner is engaged to his fiancée, Carola, a pilot in the United States Air Force. “The two of us are excited to begin this new journey together and to be a part of the Southern Boone family,” he said.
Tanner credits his family for their unwavering support throughout his coaching journey. “They make the trip multiple times a year to support my teams and are eager to don the red and black of the Eagles,” he said.
In his new role, Tanner emphasized the importance of developing well-rounded student-athletes.
“I look forward to developing not just great players on the field, but great people off the field,” he said. “We will focus on self-discipline, teamwork, and a high-character mindset while representing Southern Boone with class and pride each day—both on and off the field.”
Tanner added, “I am extremely grateful to the administration for trusting me in this role.”
In addition to leading the Eagles on the field, Tanner will join the high school staff as the weights training teacher. He takes the reins from former head coach Mark Ross, who resigned earlier this spring.
The Eagles will open their 2025-2026 campaign on the road against Odessa on August 29.