SkyCoach has ‘never failed’ Tony Brunetti, the reigning Tennessee High School Coach of the Year
Pearl-Cohn football
Pearl-Cohn football coach and athletic director Tony Brunetti calls himself an “old head” coach. He likes what he likes and doesn’t sway.
Brunetti has been the head man of the Firebirds for nearly two decades, and he’s been extremely successful at his job. In fact, he is the winningest coach in the Metro Nashville Public Schools history. The Firebirds completed a perfect 15-0 season in 2023, which ended with a 36-27 victory over Upperman High in the Class 4A Tennessee State Championship. The title win for Pearl-Cohn was the first MNPS school to win a title in football since Hillsboro High in 2008.
“I never swayed because when something is working well for you, I’m going to stick with it.”
He was named the 2023 Tennessee Titans High School Coach of the Year.
Brunetti and Pearl-Cohn became a SkyCoach partner five years ago after leaving Hudl due to frustration. In the last five seasons, the Firebirds have only lost eight games. He credits their success to his coaching staffs, development of 9th graders, the importance of strength training and his players showing up.
“The first year was learning the product and the next year SkyCoach evolved even more technology-wise and it became real easy and simple,” Brunetti said. “After that first year when they upgraded, it went to a whole other level. I use it because it’s never failed me. It’s easy and real simple. It benefits me, fits me.”
The technology upgrade Brunetti referenced is the Remote Camera Kit, which SkyCoach implemented in 2020. The RCK completely eliminated the need for computers from the SkyCoach system. The RCK is included in SkyCoach’s Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus packages. The Platinum package comes with two RCKs while the Platinum Plus has three.
The RCK attached to a camera setup.
“That little monitor is good and simple. Now that you don’t have to have a computer or iPad to control it, it works right there on the RCK screen. That made it tremendously easier,” he said.
Brunetti is hands-on with the SkyCoach system and assists during the setup, along with an additional filmer or two. For now, they just have one-camera angle, but use two iPads on the sideline and two in the press box for the offensive and defensive coordinators.
“In the past you didn’t have all this technology and you just had to trust the coaches upstairs were giving you the right information and make the adjustments at halftime,” Brunetti said, adding, “But with the SkyCoach technology, you can see with your own eyes at the same time to help each other to come up with the best solution. You don’t have to wait until halftime. You can make it a lot faster and work together as coaches.”
Brunetti is adamant on sticking with SkyCoach for the times that matter most, like the state championship game with nonstop rain.
“I think it’s very user friendly, technology friendly. I was in the pouring rain for our state championship game. It rained the whole day, like a monsoon, and we had the electronics covered up but the SkyCoach system chugged through without problems. We had no issues and that’s been like that since I’ve had it,” Brunetti said.
“They always provided me with the product fast. If I needed something, they came through. I’ve been to the state finals a few times, so if I ever needed a part they’re always fast with it. (The CEO) Keith (Simpson) has been wonderful. So, I stuck with him. We use Hudl at the school and during practice, but when it’s game time, SkyCoach is my go-to. I never swayed because when something is working well for you, I’m going to stick with it.”
Pearl Cohn Football
More from Brunetti: “Being an inner city program, SkyCoach worked with us. The prices are reasonable. They didn’t hassle us about the bill. They really work with the schools. Technology wise, they have been steady and consistent. That’s what you want. And if you do need something, boom, they’re there. To me, they give that local feeling and not like a big conglomerate. Sometimes companies get too big and you can’t have that one-on-one personal relationship, but I feel like SkyCoach is still providing me with something.”
Pearl-Cohn is the No. 8-ranked high school football team in the state of Tennessee, according to rankings by MaxPreps.
