Fort Walton Beach High School announced Pulliam as its new head football coach during a team meeting at Steve Riggs Stadium.
- Since 2018, he has served as the school’s head weightlifting coach (boys and girls) and assistant football coach, building strong connections with students and staff.
“I am fully confident that Coach Josh Pulliam is the man for the job,” Principal Lindsey Smith said. “His unwavering enthusiasm, commitment, and strong relationships with our Vikings will serve him well as he leads the ship. Coach Pulliam’s extensive knowledge in the weight room and diverse coaching experiences have prepared him for this moment.”
For Pulliam, the position represents an opportunity to deepen his impact at a school that has become home. “It’s one of the best places I’ve ever been,” he said. “The kids are so nice. I know that sounds silly, but I tell people that all the time. The kids here are great, and I just love working with them and being in this area.”
Athletic Director Holly McDaniel highlighted Pulliam’s strong connection with student-athletes. “Coach Pulliam has always made it a priority to connect with his athletes on a personal level,” McDaniel said. “He is passionate about this community and understands the power of building strong relationships. He will create an environment where trust and respect fuel hard work, discipline, and success.”
Pulliam’s path to the Vikings’ top job carries an interesting twist – he graduated from crosstown rival Choctawhatchee High School in 2003 and later coached there before joining Fort Walton Beach.
- “When I first moved over, all of my coaching buddies and my former teammates probably never thought they would see it happen,” he said laughing. “But it’s pretty cool. I’m honored to even be able to say that I could be a coach at either one of these schools. I’m thankful and proud to be a Viking.”
Looking ahead, Pulliam emphasizes character development as his primary focus. “It’s about establishing the culture of what we want at Fort Walton Beach High School,” he said. “Understanding the importance of how awesome it is just to be a really good high school athlete and showing up every day representing yourself, your name, your school, and your coaches.”
- “That’s the ultimate goal…to help create great young men to move on into this world,” Pulliam said. “It’s about passing on the program better than it was handed to them. It’s the little things, even if they’re in the weight room, they’re holding each other accountable because they know that they need each other.”
Smith expressed confidence in the program’s future under Pulliam’s leadership. “There isn’t a more loyal Viking, and I am excited to see what this transition has in store for our student athletes, families, and community.”
