Russ Pate is entering his 7th year teaching and coaching at Florence High School. He has previously been serving as the offensive line coach and head girls powerlifting coach and will begin his first season as offensive coordinator and head coach for the boys powerlifting team. Prior to coming to Florence, he held teaching and coaching positions at Raleigh High School and Grenada High School. 

Coach Pate earned his degree from Belhaven University where he also played college football. He is married to his wife, Amanda, and has two sons: Clay and Reed.