Former Offensive Coordinator (2021)
Hometown: Leicester, NC
College: Appalachian State University
John Holt spent one season at Dodge City CC on the football staff after nine years on staff at Western Carolina University serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the past two years.
When Holt joined the Western Carolina Catamount staff in 2012 he came on staff as the program’s offensive line coach and during his tenure as a coach for the Catamounts he mentored several All-Southern Conference selections also helping a few earn All-American honors.
Behind WCU’s offensive line, the Catamounts had their first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006 as Detrez Newsome posted the fourth-best total in single-season in school history with 1,109 yards on the ground in 2015. Holt’s offensive line helped pave the way for Newsome to eclipse the 1,000- yard rushing mark he next two seasons marking the first running back in WCU history to compile three-consecutive, 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
WCU’s offense produced an unprecedented fourth-consecutive, 1,000-yard rush in 2018 as QB Tyrie Adams eclipsed the mark, leading the SoCon in rushing yards per game at 91.5 yards per game – the only player in the league to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in 2018. Adams was one of just 11 quarterbacks at the time to have thrown for over 2,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in the same season.
Prior to joining at Western Carolina, Holt began his coaching career at his alma mater Appalachian State University where he started as offensive quality control coach and moved up to tight ends coach. He helped players earn All-Conference honors and in 2008 helped the App State offense rank among the nation’s top 10 in scoring, rushing, pass efficiency, and total offense.
Holt played in 55 of ASU’s 56 games during his four-year career (2004-07) including all 15 games as a senior in 2007. He served as a team captain while also earning third team All-America honors from The Sports Network as a senior. A versatile offensive lineman, he saw significant playing time at right guard and both tackle positions during his collegiate career.
Holt was married to the former Ms. Krystle Thomas of Ivanhoe, NC and together have a son, JT.
