MADISON- “The Waiting,” the 1981 hit song by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers is what Kelvis White is living each and every day as the new head coach of the Bob Jones football program. Since officially taking over his new position March 1, White has had limited time with his players and assistant coaches in an attempt to put together his program for what was going to be spring practice until the Covic-19 pandemic occurred.

Now, during the stay-at-home orders, White is busy making sure his players for this year’s expected team and coaching staff are on the same page in regards to off-site workouts and practice preparations.

“I instructed my coaches to make sure they checked in on the players when we use some Zoom meetings and text messages as we have a house-based workout ap,” said White. “We’re engaged with our student-athletes often.”

The Bob Jones program switched head coaches after Kevin Rose retired from the Alabama teaching job and took a similar position as head football coach at Lincoln County High in Fayetteville, Tenn. A quick search for a new coach ensued by the Patriots and White was chosen from among a great many candidates whom applied for the prestigious position. White soon met up with the departed Rose and spoke of what the new position would present to the 42-year old White.

“We met at a Bob Jones baseball game as his son, Caden, played for our baseball team,” said White of his first meeting with Rose. “We spoke for about 45 minutes and he told many aspects of the program that will be beneficial to me and my progression into my new job. I truly believe he left the program in good shape.”

White has had to lean on his two remaining assistant coaches Matt Sweatman and Seth Parker to help get to know his surroundings and the entire roster, which will be returning for the upcoming 2020 campaign. White is also spending much of his time recruiting new coaches as he has four slots to be filled.

“I’ve watched our team on film from last season’s games just to see what type of talent we have,” added White. “I’m impressed with hard these guys play. That was the biggest thing that jumped out at me. Plus, their technique is good. I see a lot of positives we can build on.”

The Patriots had 22 juniors and 17 sophomores on the 2019 roster and many of those are returning, including all five starters on the offensive line and several defensive lineman along with a few wide receivers. That base of talent will be a great start to build the program his way. White added, “We will be physical as the game is physical and very tough mentality.”

White made his way to Madison via four years at Mae Jemison High in Huntsville. It’s already well know his older brother Laron is the head coach at Sparkman High and the expected meeting between the two heated rivals will bring an extra punch this fall. In addition, each of the head coaches have their sons playing on the team with them, which will only make for the game to be a matchup to keep your eyes on. White’s son, Brandon, is a freshman offensive/defensive lineman. He played for Monrovia the past two seasons.

White and his wife of 14 years, Chris, have two children ages 13 and five while White has a 22-year old daughter from a previous relationship. They are expected to move to the immediate Madison area this summer.

While the current stay-at-home orders prevent White from coaching his players in person, he watches videos each player has posted on social media and is impressed with what he has seen, but there’s nothing like being there in person with his roster of players.

In the meantime, the waiting continues.

“I’m looking forward to making relationships with these kids and just being out there on our fields and at the football facility will be great,” said White.