Cory Dumphord becomes Paris’ 27th head football coach, calling the opportunity “a dream come true”

 

IVAN K. RICE I doctorofsports@aol.com

 

PARIS, KY – “I’m still in shock and grateful to be the new head coach of Paris High School, the school I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to on and off the field. This is truly a dream come true. Paris Nation is getting a coach who will be a student of the game and never stop growing,” said former Greyhound multi‑sport standout Cory Dumphord, moments after being named the 27th Head Football Coach at Paris High School (since 1922).

The Paris Independent School System made the announcement in a recent press release, officially turning the program over to one of its most decorated alumni.

“Hiring Cory was an easy decision. He knows our town, our kids, and the standard of excellence we expect,” said Paris High School Principal William C. Wade. “I believe his passion for Paris High and his track record as a sports leader will inspire our players, unite our community, and build a winning culture for years to come.”

Dumphord, who excelled in both football and basketball during his Greyhound days, takes over for Dane Damron, who departed after one season to accept the head coaching position at George Rogers Clark High School. Damron guided Paris to a 7-5 record and the program’s first regional championship appearance in a decade.

“I am so overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from this great community. I don’t take a single one of you for granted,” Dumphord said. “I’m here to work for my community, for Paris High School, and for my players. As a coach, I understand you’re only as strong as your administration, your staff, your parents, and your players, and that’s why I’ve surrounded myself with great people. This place means something to me. These kids mean something to me. And every day, I’m committed to giving them the absolute best of who I am. Our athletes will be students first and athletes second because education will always come first.”

Though his banner hangs inside Earl Redwine Gymnasium for his basketball achievements, Dumphord was equally electric on the gridiron. He remains the only quarterback in modern program history to rush and pass for over 1,000 yards in the same season. He closed his senior year with 1,015 rushing yards and 1,193 passing yards, numbers that earned him a spot on the Herald‑Leader’s prestigious Class of the Commonwealth list as one of Kentucky’s top seniors. He finished his career with 44 total touchdowns.

After high school, Dumphord signed a basketball scholarship with Central College in McPherson, Kansas before transferring to Kentucky State University. With the Thorobreds, he became one of the SIAC’s most dangerous scorers, leading the league at 24 points per game as a senior.

If the roster returns intact, Dumphord won’t be starting from scratch. Damron didn’t leave the cupboard bare, and several key players are expected to help ease the transition, a welcome advantage with Paris’ 2026 schedule expected to mirror last season’s slate. Leading the group of returnees will be Chace Williams, Madi Bell, Brandon Santiago, Guy Turner, Braylon Francis, and Brajon Santiago.

When news spread across social media that Dumphord, a 2018 Greyhound Hall of Fame inductee, would be taking over the program, his former high school coach David Buchanan offered high praise.

“Cory is a winner and loves Paris. He has a high football IQ. One of the best things we did was come to the LOS and let Cory call the play as our QB. He was really good at knowing how to attack a defense. The future is bright for Coach Dumphord and the Greyhounds!”

Longtime Paris supporter and team statistician Eugene “Puck” Puckett echoed that sentiment. Puckett has watched generations of Greyhounds come and go, but few, in his eyes, ever reached Dumphord’s level.

“Over all these years, I’ve seen a lot of great athletes come through Paris High School, but Cory might be the best total athlete of them all,” Puckett said. “He was that good. I’m excited for football season, and I’ll support him fully as our new coach. He knows what it means to wear that Paris uniform, and I believe he’s going to do great things for these kids and this community.”

Dumphord’s new role marks his first opportunity as a head football coach after guiding the Greyhound middle school program to a strong season. He knows, however, that the jump from middle school to varsity football is a different world… faster, deeper, more demanding, and he’s approaching it with the seriousness it deserves.

“Yes, it’s different,” Dumphord said. “That’s why I’m working to put together the best staff possible, people who understand the Greyhound tradition and are committed to helping these kids grow. We want to build something that lasts, something the community can be proud of. I’ll announce my assistants once everything is finalized, but I can promise this, we’re going to have the right people in the right places.”

The mission is clear for Coach Dumphord, and the work has already begun, a start that places him in rare company. He now joins five other former Greyhounds, Blanton Collier, Dan Barr, Mark Crain, Brian Washington, and Tyquan Rice, who returned home to lead the very program they once starred in.

“The way we want to play is aggressive, swarm‑to‑the‑ball defense, and an offense that puts points on the board. We want to make it fun for the fans and bring back the old vibe and tradition of Greyhound football. It’s going to be a great ride. I’m ready to work.”

Dumphord steps into the role with a sense of purpose that reaches far beyond wins and losses. The opportunity is bigger than a title or a whistle, it’s a chance to give back to the school and community that shaped him, to carry forward a legacy built by the Greyhounds who came before him, and to set a new standard for the ones who will follow. Paris has turned to one of its own, and now the city waits with pride and anticipation as a former star steps onto the sideline, not as a player this time, but as the leader of the program he loves.

And Dumphord knows exactly what fuels it all … that unmistakable Pride … Paris Pride!

 

 

–ALL ACTION PHOTOS TAKEN BY NADIA HUTSELL–

 

THE PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PARIS SCHOOL SYSTEM…

“We are proud to announce the appointment of Cory Dumphord as the new head football coach of the Paris High School Greyhounds. A Paris alumnus and award-winning former athlete, Coach Dumphord returns to his alma mater with a strong passion for the program and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field.

A standout player during his time at Paris, Coach Dumphord earned multiple accolades for his leadership and performance before continuing his success at the high school and collegiate levels. Since assuming the role, he has hit the ground running, focused on building a disciplined, competitive program rooted in teamwork, sportsmanship, and character.

We look forward to an exciting new chapter of Greyhound football under Coach Dumphord’s leadership. Families and students interested in participating are encouraged to contact him for more information.”