Pace Academy hires former Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon as head coach

Pace Academy announced former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon as its head football coach Friday.

Weatherspoon was a 2010 first-round NFL Draft pick who played six seasons with the Falcons and one with the Cardinals. He started 44 of his 67 NFL games.

Weatherspoon has worked with youth, middle school and high school teams primarily as a community coach since his retirement after the 2017 season.

Since 2023, Sean has been the head athletic trainer and football coach at Legacy Sports Complex.

“My goal is to build a football program that reflects Pace’s high academic standards – one that is demanding, disciplined and character-driven,” Weatherspoon said in a statement. “More than just developing great players, I want to help shape great young men.”

Weatherspoon will replace Nick Bach, who resigned in December to pursue other opportunities after three seasons. Pace was 4-6 last season, its fewest victories since 2009.

Pace has been middling while often playing in a higher class than its enrollment since its 2015 Class 2A championship under another former NFL player, Chris Slade.

“Coach Weatherspoon comes to Pace with the highest praise from former teammates, coaches and leaders within the Falcons organization,” Pace head of school Fred Assaf said in a statement. “His passion for the game is undeniable, but what truly sets him apart is his deep commitment to community and his dedication to developing well-rounded student-athletes who become prepared, confident citizens of the world.”

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