Adam Begley, the newly appointed head coach of the Cooper Jaguars football program, steps into a role that has been shaped by nearly two decades of leadership under Randy Borchers.
A Legacy Reimagined
Borchers retired after an 18‑year tenure that produced 118 wins, four region championships and three appearances in the Class 5A state championship game, leaving behind a program that finished 34‑8 over the past three seasons and reached the state title game twice.
Begley, who has been associated with Cooper football since 2014 and previously served as a battalion chief for the Florence Fire/EMS Department, brings a blend of firehouse discipline and gridiron strategy to the sidelines.
The Jaguars will replace top passer Cam O’Hara with sophomore Zach Kostopolis, while key departures such as Keagan Maher, Ryker Campbell and Carson Clark open opportunities for newcomers including Trevor Johnson, Owen Flamm and Corey Freihofer.
Corey Freihofer, a senior who will finish his high school career under Begley, expressed excitement about the transition, noting the coach’s emphasis on leadership, trust and high standards that mirror his own firehouse philosophy.
Christian Inabnit, another returning starter, hopes to increase his playing time and become a vocal leader, echoing Begley’s belief that wearing the maroon and gold carries a responsibility to the community.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent, the Jaguars aim to sustain their recent success, targeting another strong playoff run and a championship mindset in the 2026 season.