A Familiar Face Returns to Lead
The Ozark School District announced that Ray Godfrey, who has been part of the district’s athletic staff since 2008, will serve as interim head football coach. His deep roots in the community and extensive coaching background position him to steer the team through the transition.
Godfrey’s career with the district spans more than a decade and a half, during which he has rotated through roles as an assistant in football, wrestling and baseball, and most recently as the strength and conditioning coach. His familiarity with the program’s culture and player development philosophy has been cited as a key factor in the decision.
A Respected Coach with Proven Success
Before joining Ozark, Godfrey spent 16 seasons as a head coach at Neosho, where he amassed five district titles and built a reputation for disciplined, hard‑working teams. He also began his coaching journey as an assistant at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, a background that adds depth to his strategic outlook.
Jeremy Cordell, who led the program for three seasons and finished with a 9‑24 record, resigned three weeks ago. The district will begin a formal search for a permanent head coach after the 2026 season, giving the interim period time to evaluate the team’s needs and the market.
Looking Toward the Future
While the search moves forward, Godfrey will continue to mentor players and staff, drawing on his experience to maintain stability. His interim role reflects the district’s confidence in continuity and the belief that a steady hand can bridge the gap until a long‑term solution is found.