By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
Former Topeka High standout Tyrell Everett feels like every step he's made in his coaching career has been a step forward.
Tyrell Everett
But after basically one-year stints at schools in Kansas, Florida, Ohio, Iowa and Oklahoma, Everett would like to put down some roots in his new position as defensive line coach at NCAA Division II Pittsburg State.
"I'm looking forward to having the same address for awhile,'' Everett said during a visit to Topeka. "I'm excited to be back home in Kansas because not many people get to come back home and especially to be a part of a great program like Pitt State.''
Everett, who played collegiately at Butler Community College and Baker, coached at Butler CC, West Florida as a graduate assistant, Akron (GA), Tulsa (GA), and two separate stints at Clarke University before the Pittsburg State position opened up earlier this spring.
"Of course you're always interested when it comes to Pitt State, a big-time school, a big-time tradition and being from Kansas it's like a cathedral of football, especially for D-II,'' Everett said. "When I saw that opportunity come iup and I got my shot it was a blessing to even be pulled in for an interview for it.
"This job, it was something that just kind of fell in my lap. It's one of those things where just being able to build relationships helped me get this job and just being at the right spot at the right time and the right situation.''
Everett was offered the Pittsburg State position in late May and started on June 1.
"Everything is just community there and when I first got there it was an open-arm, warm welcome so it felt good to get that Midwest, Kansas hospitality,'' Everett said.
Everett joins the staff of Brian Wright, who is starting his third season as the Gorillas' head coach, including an 8-3 record in 2021.
"The staff is unbelievable and there's a reason why they've had tremendous success there in the first two years and they're going to continue to have tremendous success just with the leadership we have from coach Wright at the top on down,'' Everett said.
In addition to being a position coach Everett will have recruiting duties for the Gorillas.
"I'll be back in the Topeka area, a little bit in the Lawrence area and probably a little bit in the KC area to a little bit in the Wichita area and just be wherever they need me to go,'' Everett said. "Kansas kids work hard and they deserve to be recruited hard and that's what we're going to do.
"That's what coach Wright has put an emphasis on is winning locally and that's what we're going to work hard to do.''
Pittsburg State opens fall camp next Monday and will open its 2022 season on Sept. 1 at home against Central Missouri.
"We've got a great group of great young men that I'm excited to coach,'' Everett said.
