Martinsville High School Athletic Director Tommy Golding has been named the Bulldogs’ head varsity football coach for the upcoming season while continuing to serve as athletic director.
Golding holds degrees in special education and physical education and earned a master’s degree in administration from Radford University.
He has coached football in some capacity for 30 of his 34 years in public education, including 27 years with Martinsville City Public Schools. Golding joined the division as a special education teacher and football coach and has since served in numerous athletic and leadership roles.
Before being named athletic director in 2006, Golding simultaneously served as head varsity baseball coach, varsity football defensive coordinator and assistant athletic director. During his tenure as athletic director, he also has served as assistant principal and interim principal at Martinsville High School.
Superintendent Dr. Zebedee Talley Jr. said Golding’s experience and familiarity with the football program made him the right choice to lead the Bulldogs this season.
“This decision gives our student-athletes stability, allows our experienced coaching staff to continue its work, and ensures we can take the time necessary to do a thorough search for the next long-term leader of our program,” Talley said. “Coach Golding has the experience, the ability to lead, and the respect of our staff and players. He’s going to do a great job for Martinsville football this year.”
Golding succeeds former head coach Joe Fielder, who recently left the position.
School officials said the late timing of the coaching vacancy led the division to promote from within for the upcoming season. The move provides continuity for players and coaches while allowing time to conduct a comprehensive search for a permanent head coach for the 2027 season.
As athletic director, Golding has long supported allowing head coaches to build their own coaching staffs. School officials said naming an experienced internal leader for one season provides stability while giving the next permanent head coach time to establish the program for long-term success.
