Robert Peters, Columbus head coach
Today’s interviewee is Columbus coach Robert Peters, whose team enters the playoffs 7-3 after avenging five 2024 losses. Peters, an Alabama native, has worked in Muscogee Schools since graduating from Auburn in 2003 and joined the Columbus staff in 2010. He had held several football positions, including offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, when promoted in 2024. Columbus was 5-25 the previous three seasons until this year’s breakthrough. Columbus is playing at Hapeville Charter on Friday in the Class 2A playoffs.
1. How do you and the players feel about what the team has accomplished? How has the school/community responded? “Our program is extremely proud of what we have accomplished this season. Our players dedicated themselves to improving and growing as football players over the past offseason and summer, and it has shown. The coaching staff has worked countless hours to prepare practice plans and game plans that allow our team to be in the best position to be competitive. The administration, alumni, parents, fans and community have rallied around our efforts and been so supportive. Their support is a big part of our success, and our program is very appreciative.”
2. What are some changes that you and your staff have made or strategies implemented since you became head coach that have made the biggest difference? “We shifted our focus to more narrow goals that we have been able to accomplish and build upon. Offensively, we wanted to improve our third-down efficiency. Defensively, we worked to force more turnovers. We established landmarks that could be accomplished before we moved to the next. Over the course of the season, these have allowed us to advance at a pace where our team is comfortable and established in what we do before adding to our offense or defense.”
3. You've been at Columbus for some time. What has kept you there so long? What has been your career mindset these past 15 years? “The students and student-athletes at Columbus are what keep me here. Our students are being pushed athletically, academically and personally, and I am amazed at how they respond. The rigor of the classroom, the athletic demands and required community involvement show that our kids are tough, can handle the pressure to perform, and still remain respectful. My career mindset has been to help our student-athletes and students to grow into the best young adults they can be. From the football aspect, I want to develop players into their best version possible and give them to the opportunity to play at the next level if they desire.”
4. What are the biggest reasons that Columbus is having a historic year? “Columbus is having a great year because our team has matured and bought into the program. They are invested in this just as much as the coaches. They take ownership over their mistakes, support each other and hold teammates accountable to standards. We refer to ourselves as family, and they are a reflection of that bond.”
