As a quarterback and defensive back for Lynn English, the 2011 graduate racked up more than 5,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in just two years. Now, he’s ready to be head coach.

With previous coach Anthony LaFratta moving on to school administration, Tyllor McDonald has been brought on to coach the Bulldogs.

Athletic Director Dick Newton gave him the call, adding “We’re very happy with Tyler.”

“We’re glad he wanted the job and are looking forward to his tenure here at English,” Newton said. “He was a great player, heavily involved with youth football, and cares about the people in Lynn. I always like hiring guys who went here and want to come back and help the community. He’ll put together a staff and get ready for next year.”

McDonald’s first two years of coaching were in 2017 and 2018 as an assistant with Lynn Classical coach Brian Vaughan, who’s also his cousin.

“It was awesome. Probably half of my life playing football, he’s been involved,” McDonald said of Vaughan. “Offense, defense, what he thinks, and giving me knowledge based on his experiences.”

Then, McDonald assisted at English for two years before returning to Classical the last three.

Now in charge, he’s also keeping in mind who he’s learned from, as his role models include former head coach Peter Holey, Greg Brotherton, and Steve Hill.

“I’m excited to restore order in this program – how it was when I played and even before,” McDonald said. “There are going to be some bad habits to break and I want to mold these guys.”

His staff is nearly finalized, too.

“My strategy is just to score points and be explosive on offense. On defense, be stingy, cause turnovers, and try to score points on defense,” he said. “The state tournament is always the goal, but realistically, just get the boys onboard and try to win. Let’s create a winning culture.”

That mission begins sooner, rather than later.

“First things first is offseason weight training. That’s the biggest thing right now,” he said.

And in the end, McDonald knows “being head coach anywhere in Lynn is an honor.”

“Just to go back to my alma mater and coach, it’s going to mean a lot,” he said. “I’m coming home.”