Tommy Gilleran Steps Down as Lake Hamilton Head Football Coach

Lake Hamilton head football coach Tommy Gilleran is stepping down from his role after leading the Wolves for the past eight seasons.

A 1988 Lake Hamilton graduate, Gilleran returned to his alma mater in 2017 and quickly reestablished the Wolves as a consistent contender in Arkansas high school football. His teams earned multiple postseason runs, sent several players to the collegiate level, and delivered one of the program’s biggest moments in recent history: a trip to the 2020 Arkansas State Championship, where Lake Hamilton finished as state runner up.

Gilleran’s work did not go unnoticed. In 2019, he received the National Gatorade Coach of the Year Award, a rare honor that highlighted the culture and standard he built. Before coming back to Lake Hamilton, he was named the 2008 FCA Huddle Leader of the Year and coached Fountain Lake to a 2009 state championship.

Though he is moving out of the head coaching position, Gilleran is not leaving the district. He will continue working within Lake Hamilton Schools, bringing the same experience and student focused leadership that has shaped the program for nearly a decade.

Superintendent Dr. Tony Thurman thanked Gilleran for everything he has poured into the Wolves.

“Coach Gilleran has led our program with pride, heart, and a deep love for Lake Hamilton. His influence goes far beyond Friday nights; he has poured into student athletes as leaders and young adults. We are grateful for his years of service as head coach and excited that he will continue contributing to our district in meaningful ways.”

The district has not yet announced plans for filling the head coaching vacancy.