Rodney Hackney, the Week 9 Falcons Coach of the Week, presented by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, returned to Riverdale in 2018 and reinvigorated a program that had qualified only once since 2012 to the playoffs.
Hackney coached the Raiders from 2000-04 before stints at Mays, Lithonia and North Clayton, among others. He had considered retirement before he returned to the Clayton County school, winning his 100th game as head coach in 2020 and leading Riverdale to its first region title since 1998.
He told the AJC last season about the renewed success: “It means the world to Riverdale’s players, parents, administration and alumni. It has been 22 years since we were able to claim the region title. ... The significance of this region title has had a major impact within the community.”
The NFL and Atlanta Falcons will recognize 10 head high school varsity tackle and girls flag football coaches across the states of Georgia and Alabama throughout the 2021 season with the Coach of the Week award, presented by the AJC, for their work in making a difference in student-athletes lives on-and-off the field.
Each winner receives a $1,000 grant for their football program, a commemorative Falcons item and recognition from the Falcons and AJC. | Nominate a coach
Atlanta Falcons Coach of the Week for 2021
Week 1: Craig Coleman, Luella
Week 2: Rich Fendley, Bowdon
Week 3: William Felton, Decatur
Week 4: Wesley Tankersley, Stephens County
Week 5: Marquis Westbrook, Warner Robins
Week 6: Maurice Dixon, Creekside
Week 7: Zach Corcoran, St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School
Week 8: Leroy Hood, Pebblebrook
Week 9: Rodney Hackney, Riverdale
About the Author
