coaches corner
Michael Harper
Please join us in welcoming Coach Michael Harper to the Navarre community and Raider Nation! 🏈
Coach Harper joins Navarre High School as Offensive Coordinator, bringing 23+ years of coaching experience. He is widely recognized for innovative offensive strategy, quarterback development, and building successful programs.
WHNT 19 has named h
Please join us in welcoming Coach Michael Harper to the Navarre community and Raider Nation! 🏈
Coach Harper joins Navarre High School as Offensive Coordinator, bringing 23+ years of coaching experience. He is widely recognized for innovative offensive strategy, quarterback development, and building successful programs.
WHNT 19 has named him one of the brightest young offensive minds in the Huntsville area, highlighting his creativity and player development.
Most recently, Coach Harper served as Head Football Coach at New Hope High School, leading the #1 scoring offense in Alabama for much of the 2024 season (all classifications) and finishing Top 5 in Class 4A, while producing a 2nd Team All-State wide receiver. Previously, as Offensive Coordinator at Hazel Green High School, his offense averaged nearly 400 yards per game and helped the program reach a rare playoff appearance. His background also includes head coaching roles, multiple playoff runs, region championships, and developing numerous All-State and college-level athletes.
Coach Harper believes in building explosive, disciplined offenses rooted in accountability, relationships, and the development of young men on and off the field. We’re excited to welcome Coach Harper and his family to Navarre!
Tommy Roberts
Tommy Roberts
Please join us in welcoming Coach Tommy Roberts to the Navarre community and Raider Nation! 🏈
Coach Roberts brings over two decades of coaching experience across high school and college football throughout the Southeast. He has served as an offensive line coach, coordinator, athletic director, and head coach, with multiple programs reachi
Please join us in welcoming Coach Tommy Roberts to the Navarre community and Raider Nation! 🏈
Coach Roberts brings over two decades of coaching experience across high school and college football throughout the Southeast. He has served as an offensive line coach, coordinator, athletic director, and head coach, with multiple programs reaching state playoffs under his leadership. Most recently, he coached at Booker T. Washington High School, helping the Wildcats earn a 2025 FHSAA Playoff berth and posting 15 games with 400+ yards of offense.
His career includes turning programs around, winning county titles, and building tough, disciplined offensive lines.
A former college football player himself, Coach Roberts is deeply rooted in player development both on and off the field. He and his wife Rebekah, an ESE teacher with Escambia County Schools, are proud parents of five children and are excited to be part of the Navarre community.
We’re excited to have Coach Roberts leading our offensive line and look forward to the impact he’ll make in Raider Country!
coaching staff
Chris Benjamin
Chris Benjamin
Chris Benjamin serves as the College Recruiting Coordinator, bringing 17 years of coaching experience to the program, including three years at Navarre. Originally from Littleton, Massachusetts, Coach Benjamin is a graduate of Littleton High School and earned his MBA from Webster University. He also proudly served 22 years in the military, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to leadership, discipline, and service. Chris and his wife, Selena, are the proud parents of Tyler, Logan, and Keira.
Steve Gardner
Chris Benjamin
Steve Gardner serves as the Specialist Coach, working with kickers, long snappers, and holders. A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Coach Gardner is a graduate of Bowling Green High School and attended Air University (CCAF). He brings 12 years of coaching experience to the program, including four years at Navarre. Coach Gardner proudly served 21 years in the United States Air Force. He and his wife, Dana, are the proud parents of Alexandra and Taylor .
Michael Harper
COMING SOON
Shawn Helwig
Antenney Hemingway
Shawn Helwig serves as the Safeties Coach for the program. A native of Sacramento, California, Coach Helwig is a graduate of Florin High School and attended Sacramento State University. He brings three years of coaching experience, all at Navarre. Shawn and his wife, Rebecca, are proud parents to their son, Noah, and daughter, Charli.
Antenney Hemingway
Antenney Hemingway
Antenney Hemingway
Antenney Hemingway serves as the Running Backs Coach and Community Service Coordinator. Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Coach Hemingway is a graduate of Lawrence North High School and attended American Military University. He brings 16 years of coaching experience to the program, including 10 years at Navarre. Coach Hemingway also proudly served 15 years in the United States Air Force. He is the proud father of Izaiah and Diesel.
Jamie Jones
Antenney Hemingway
Antenney Hemingway
Jamie Jones serves as the Corners Coach for the program. Originally from Albany, Georgia, Coach Jones is a graduate of Dougherty High School and attended Colorado State. He brings eight years of coaching experience, including five years at Navarre. Coach Jones proudly served 13 years in the United States Army. He and his wife, Freneshia, are the proud parents of Jayden and Jamie Jr. .
Lee Jones
Brandon Lawson
Brandon Lawson
Lee Jones serves as the Receivers’ Coach for the program. A Navarre, Florida native, Coach Jones is a graduate of Navarre High School and continued his education at Troy University. He brings three years of coaching experience, including two years at Navarre. Coach Jones is proud to give back to his hometown community and the program that helped shape his journey.
Brandon Lawson
Brandon Lawson
Brandon Lawson
Brandon Lawson serves as the Defensive Coordinator, Defensive Line Coach, and Assistant Head Coach. A Navarre, Florida native, Coach Lawson is a graduate of Navarre High School and earned his degree from the University of West Florida. He brings 17 years of coaching experience to the program, all of which have been at Navarre. Brandon and his wife, Kady, are the proud parents of Stella and Teddy.
Brad Rhodes
Brandon Lawson
Brad Rhodes serves as the Tight Ends Coach for the program. A native of Troy, Alabama, Coach Rhodes is a graduate of Charles Henderson School and attended Troy University. He brings 24 years of coaching experience to the field, including nine years at Navarre. Brad and his wife, Tracey, are the proud parents of Georgia, Brady, and Jackson.
Tommy Roberts
COMING SOON
Kirk Whited
Austin Wilson
Kirk Whited serves as the Defensive Secondary Coach for the program. A native of Gulf Breeze, Florida, Coach Whited is a graduate of Gulf Breeze High School and earned his degree from the University of West Florida. He brings 13 years of coaching experience, including nine years at Navarre. Kirk is the proud father of Alik and Kileigh and remains dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
Austin Wilson
Austin Wilson
Austin Wilson serves as the Quarterbacks Coach, bringing 12 years of coaching experience to the program, including two years at Navarre. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Coach Wilson is a graduate of Stanhope Elmore High School and attended Troy University. He also proudly served five years in the United States Navy. Austin and his wife, Carly, are the proud parents of their son, Jackson.
