Ozark Names Ray Godfrey Interim Head Football Coach

Ozark Schools has named Ray Godfrey as interim head football coach for the Ozark Tigers football program at the May 21 Board of Education Meeting.

Godfrey brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the position and has been a familiar presence in Ozark athletics since joining the district in 2008. During his time at Ozark, he has served as an assistant coach in football, baseball and wrestling, while also spending five years as the district’s head strength and conditioning coach.

Athletic Director Yancey Little noted the timing of the transition led the committee to Godfrey and praised his experience and dedication to Ozark.

“Given our search starting late in the school year, naming Coach Godfrey as our interim head coach was a natural fit for our program,” Little said. “Coach Godfrey brings decades of coaching experience, strong relationships within our school community and a deep understanding of Ozark football. He will provide steady leadership for our student-athletes throughout the upcoming season as we begin a full head coaching search following the conclusion of the season.”

Godfrey said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead the Tigers football program.

“I am humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve Ozark football and the Ozark community as head football coach this upcoming season,” Godfrey said.

Prior to joining Ozark, Godfrey served as head football coach at Neosho from 1992-2007. During his tenure, Neosho won three conference championships and five district titles, highlighted by an 11-1 season and a postseason run.

A graduate of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, Godfrey began his coaching career as a graduate assistant football coach at SBU while earning his bachelor’s degree in math and business. He later earned a master’s degree in education.

Ozark Schools will begin a full search for the district’s next head football coach following the conclusion of the 2026 season.