Former Van Buren quarterback moving up in the coaching ranks

Jordan Barlow knows the newest challenge which awaits him, but he is eager to take it head-on. Barlow, a former Van Buren high school quarterback, recently took over as head football coach at Stilwell (Okla.) after coaching at nearby Westville.

Stilwell hasn’t had a winning season since 2007, but Barlow believes he can help the Indians break through in the generally tough District 4A-4, which features traditional powers Sallisaw, Poteau and Broken Bow.

“I was excited about the challenge of competing at a higher level, and I believe this program has what it takes to rise to the occasion,” Barlow said. “4A-4 is one of the toughest districts in the state right now, but that’s what makes it fun. With the right culture, work ethic, and commitment, I believe we can compete in this district and competing with the best is what we want to do.”

He said Stilwell’s administration is doing its part to get the football program headed in the right direction.

“The administration really showed their dedication and commitment to turning the program around, which was very important to me,” Barlow said. “The new facilities – like the turf, indoor facility, locker room and coaches’ offices – also played a role. Those upgrades show that the school is investing in its athletes and the future of the program.”

Barlow, who threw for more than 2,500 yards for Van Buren in 2014, played at four different colleges. He even spent time playing professionally in Europe, participating on teams based in Germany and Switzerland.

But Barlow knew he wanted to get into coaching, following in the footsteps of his father, Derek. Derek Barlow, a longtime basketball coach, is the boys basketball coach at Pocola, guiding the Indians to Class 2A state runner-up finishes each of the past two seasons.

“My dad was 100 percent the biggest reason I became a coach,” Jordan Barlow said. “He’s told me I will be a coach since I was in middle school. His passion and love for sports and competition have carried over to me. I’ve seen firsthand the impact he’s had on young athletes, not only through athletics but in helping to shape their lives.”

Barlow got more inspiration from Ryan Smith, Barlow’s coach at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. Barlow even did some coaching while playing professionally overseas in Europe.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my time overseas was being able to help coach some of the European players who shared my passion for the game,” he said. “Watching their love for football grow, despite the challenges they faced in a different football environment, was inspiring.”

Although an ex-quarterback, Barlow really doesn’t favor an all-out passing attack. He believes the key to having a good offense depends on the running game, which he’s implementing at Stilwell. Barlow is now spending the offseason getting Stilwell ready for the upcoming season.

“Our plan is to first show the guys how we want to change the culture,” he said. “We want them to understand that in order to compete at this level, they have to be fully committed to the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. It starts with doing the little things the right way, showing up every day, and holding themselves accountable.

As Barlow mentioned earlier, he’s also about to do something significant off the field later this spring, marrying his fiancé, Riley Roberts, herself a coach.

“She’s a coach’s daughter and a coach herself, so she truly understands the drive and passion I have for coaching,” Barlow said. “Her support has been invaluable, and she constantly pushes me to be better both personally and professionally.”