A New Era for Stratford Football
Stratford has appointed Jerald Cook as its new football coach, stepping in after the dismissal of Anthony Law, who finished his three‑year tenure with a 13‑21 record. Cook, a Nashville native with deep ties to the community, arrives with a 32‑25 career record and four Class 2A playoff appearances.
Cook’s journey to Stratford includes stints as athletics director and head coach at Freedom Prep Academy from 2015 to 2022, followed by a volunteer role as an assistant at Melrose in 2024. His experience blends on‑field strategy with administrative oversight, giving the program both tactical depth and organizational stability.
At the heart of Cook’s philosophy are character, hard work and academic excellence. He has repeatedly emphasized that success on the field should be mirrored by achievement in the classroom, a stance that aligns with Stratford’s strong STEM focus and its reputation for rigorous Math and Science curricula.
The hire marks the fourth coaching change within Metro Nashville Public Schools in the past two months, underscoring a period of rapid transition for the district’s football programs. Cook, who played college football at Tennessee State, says he is drawn to the school’s commitment to developing well‑rounded student‑athletes.