"One More Play" : Why We (his players) Love Coach Larry French

June 2005 after we kicked Tennessee's tail by 2 TDs

"He loved you." - Zach Massengill, April 9, 2026 

Coach French had a gift for helping young men become the best they could be.  For those of us that played for him, often, the first time that we were the best version of ourselves, we were with him. He helped us get there. He could make us as tough as we could possibly be. He could make us be the most unselfish we had ever been in our lives.  He could help us do our jobs, better, than we had ever done them before. When we became men, husbands & fathers and needed to be tough, unselfish, and do our jobs well, we knew what that looked like because on a practice field or on a Friday night, he had helped to make us that guy we needed to be in that moment as an adult. We no longer wore a helmet. But, our old Coach continued to make us the very best we could be, and when we needed it the most. That is why we loved him. 

How did he do it?  

Ultimately, I really can't describe it.  I do know that he set a tremendous example in regards to being tough, being unselfish, and doing your job at a very high level. But, he had a way of making his example come alive in your heart and between the ears like no other. 

Ironically, I am not sure how much credit he can take for his special gift in transforming lives. I really just think God wired him that way. He had an innate love for people, especially kids. His ability to see the best inside of you and bring it out was enigmatic. His method of communicating and getting you to look inside and examine yourself was inexplicable.  When success would follow, his reaction would lead you to believe that he knew it was going to happen all along. In his own unique way, he would convey the message, "Of course you won. That is who you are." 

It would be super cool to be Boone Goldsmith. Coach French's QB, 4th and goal and to score the game winning TD in the state championship on the last play of the season!

I am the EXACT opposite.  I was Coach French's QB at the lowest point of his career, 1982. I absolutely love my hometown. But, I can tell you, it is TOUGH to be the head football coach or quarterback @ Mercer County when you are WINNING. When you are not winning?  Eat your Wheaties.  

photo by Larry Vaught

But, I am beyond thankful that I was the Quarterback that was playing for him during the darkest times. The energy & intensity between the two of us on a Friday night was through the roof. We poured our guts into that moment and that team, regardless of the circumstances or results. We had an old school loyalty to each other that was worth its weight in gold and would live on for the next 44 years.  That season we passed through the Fire of the Refiner, together. Much of who we would be over the next four decades, was forged in that time.  That shared experience and the challenges we faced, together, formed a bond between us that only got stronger as the years passed. 

Much of Kentucky loves Larry French after 381 wins and two state titles. I loved COACH French the night we got on the bus to go to Berea (his alma mater) and we were 1-8 in 1982.

photo by Harrodsburg Herald
#42 (Gordon Hensley) & #44 (Brian Arnold)

To Mrs. French, Christie, Steven and their entire wonderful family, thank you for sharing him with us. The world is a different place because you allowed him to be our Coach. The sacrifices you made are immense. His ministry was absolutely, YOUR MINISTRY. 

If you hear an echo over the next few days, don't panic. Coach French now has an eternity for "One more play." Thank you Coach. Love you. 

My Dad (John Buchanan) & My Coach (Larry French)