BLUEFIELD, Va. – Tony Palmer is an important figure in the Bluefield community.
Since 1996, Palmer has served as a police officer for the city of Bluefield, West Virginia.
For the past 10 years, the 53-year-old Palmer has also directed one of the most successful high school football programs in the United States with the Bluefield, Virginia-based Graham G-Men.
Graham won the VHSL Class 2 state football title on Dec. 14, 2024, with a win over Strasburg in Salem
“It’s a privilege and honor to have the opportunity to be a positive influence in our community and to coach at a school where I played,” Palmer said. “Everything we’ve accomplished is a reflection of the type of young men we have here.”
It would be hard for any coach to match Palmer accomplishments in football.
He has crafted an overall record of 113-18. The G-Men posted a 15-0 mark this past season en route a fourth straight regional title and the sixth state championship in school history.
“I’m proud of our record and I appreciate awards, but I don’t really pay attention to that kind of stuff,” Palmer said. “I just do my job. It’s all about the kids here.”
How has Palmer managed to balance and master two high profile roles?
“Starting out, it was very hard,” Palmer said. “When I was an assistant coach at Graham under Doug Marrs, I worked midnight shift.”
After work, Palmer would attend classes at Bluefield State University where he was a full-time student before joining the Graham football team for afternoon practice.
“I went on four or five hours of sleep for four years,” Palmer said.
Following a three-year break to work as a teacher at Graham, Palmer returned to the police force.
He is now stationed on the Bluefield State University campus.
During his interview to become head football coach at Graham, Palmer sent a clear message to school officials.
“I told them that we would do more than hope to win games. We would expect to win and prepare in that manner. And that’s what we’ve done,” Palmer said.
Along with a deep talent pool and a thriving weight program, the winning formula at Graham includes a consistent youth football league and a stable coaching staff.
Graham coach Tony Palmer directed his team to an unbeaten season this year.
“It’s harder than ever to be a coach these days, but I’ve been fortunate with my assistants,” Palmer said. “We’ve got solid men on our staff who communicate well and work together.
“A head coach is not able to manage everything, so he needs assistants who are confident in their role and can relate to kids. Our guys put in a lot of work and are a big part of our success.”
Rex Bradshaw, who serves as the co-defensive coordinator with Dennis Palmer, has worked with Tony Palmer for nine of his 10 years as head coach.
Dennis Palmer, no relation to Tony, has served on that coaching staff for seven years.
“Tony is a good motivator with kids, and he lets his assistants to thing,” Dennis Palmer said.
In terms of game day intensity, Tony Palmer has drawn comparisons to longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Tony Palmer.
Just how intense is the director of the G-Men?
“We have a good time after practice. But when we’re preparing for a game, Tony is all work,” Dennis Palmer said.
Omarri Hill has been a leader for the G-Men past few years from his spot on the defensive line. According to Hill, Tony Palmer has a fun side.
“We spend a lot of time together off the field and Coach Palmer is always kicking it with us,” Hill said. “He cracks jokes and makes us laugh. Coach Palmer is just a great guy.”
Hil said the Graham players realize the intensive spotlight that their head coach operates under.
“Coach Palmer is a big leader in the school and community,” Hill said. “He has respect from all over and we admire what he does for us.”
The Graham G-men and head coach Tony Palmer celebrate with the VHSL Class 2 state championship trophy after a 31-8 win over Strasburg.
The vibrancy of the Graham football program has long been personal to Tony Palmer, as a fan, athlete and coach.
“My fondest memory of Graham football was the snow game at Mitchell Stadium in the early 1980s,” Palmer said. “I was afraid we were going to lose until Eddie Neel hit Lee Grimes for a pass down the middle of the field late in the final minutes to give us a 6-3 win.”
Tony Palmer earned his long-awaited chance to compete at Mitchell Stadium as a cornerback in the ninth grade.
He then found his niche as a running back. Gage Palmer, the son of Tony Palmer, excelled at running back for the G-Men this past season.
Following a two-year stint in the football program at North Greenville in Tigerville, South Carolina, Palmer returned home to his school and program.
“Graham football is very important to me,” Palmer said. “This program was well respected when Coach (Glynn) Carlock was here, and we’ve tried to build off that with good kids, good coaches and people who are willing to help our program.
“I believe respect is earned and not given. And we’re working hard to maintain our standard next season and beyond.”