After months of deliberating, Oxon Hill has finally named their new head football coach. Robert Green, who was the school's athletic director and co-head coach last year, has officially taken over the Clippers program.

"It's exciting because this is my first head coaching job," Green said. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity."

Green was the logical, familiar choice after becoming a co-head coach along with Walter Cross late last season. The Clippers' former coach, Kevin Wolfolk, who was in his second year at Oxon Hill, abruptly resigned in mid-October 2008. Green told the Gazette on Oct. 19 that Wolfolk resigned due to "irreconcilable differences [between Wolfolk and Principal Deborah Franklin]."

Nevertheless, Green and Cross led Oxon Hill to a 3-1 record in the season's final four weeks, their only blemish coming against Wise in the finale. The Clippers failed to make the playoffs, but Green's work was admirable considering the circumstances, according to several Oxon Hill players.

Green came to Oxon Hill two years ago after serving as an assistant athletic director at Parkdale High School. He took over the Clippers' athletic program and watched as Wolfolk led Oxon Hill to their first playoff appearance in three years. Much remained the same in 2008, but when Wolfolk resigned it opened up an opportunity for Green.

"I've always been a player [on the field], and I learned over the years that coaching is the next best thing," Green said. "It's become something I really enjoy. It's a beautiful thing to get out here and teach these kids."

Green had been acting as the de-facto head coach all offseason. He organized team workouts and directed team weight-lifting sessions. He quickly won over the locker room with his down-to-earth but business-like demeanor, according to several players.

"He's been a great coach," said athlete Malik Cross, the son of Walter. "He knows how to bond with kids and he's kept us together. He brings the best out of us; he makes us work hard."

Green certainly knows how to relate to football players. He starred as a running back at Friendly High School back in the '80s and went on to a Hall of Fame career at the College of William and Mary. He went undrafted out of college, but signed as a free agent with his hometown Washington Redskins in 1992.

He was released by Washington the next year after only eight regular-season carries and signed with the Chicago Bears. He spent five years in Chicago with his best season coming in 1995, when he had 107 carries for 570 yards and three touchdowns. Green ended his six-year pro career with the Minnesota Vikings in 1997.

Green's resume gives him credence with the Oxon Hill players.

"He played in the NFL and he just knows so much about football," said Oxon Hill safety Greg Roberson. "It's like he knows everything out there."

Despite the fact that he never coached until last season, Green believes he is qualified for the job.

"My experience speaks for itself," Green said. "I've always been a leader in sports. I was always the point guard, the captain. With my background, the kids have to respect me."

Green will not have an easy first season. Oxon Hill lost almost 30 seniors to graduation, leaving the squad with a number of question marks. Underclassmen and backups from last season will fill most of the positions. Green is a realist, but he's also trying to be optimistic.

"Right now I don't know how good we'll be, but we'll definitely be competitive," Green said. "If I didn't think we could make the playoffs I shouldn't be the coach."