A New Chapter Begins: Coach Twan Golliday Passes the Torch to Julian Hollins

A New Chapter Begins: Coach Twan Golliday Passes the Torch to Julian Hollins

Written By Coach C | SemiPro GameDay

Some coaching changes happen because of failure.

Others happen because of opportunity.

And every once in a while, one takes place because a legendary leader knows the organization is in good hands.

That is exactly what has happened in Missouri.

The Missouri Cyclones are not simply changing head coaches.

They are continuing a legacy.

After one of the most remarkable coaching careers the CMFL has ever seen, Head Coach Twan Golliday is stepping away from the sidelines to serve the organization full-time in the front office as Co-Owner and executive leader. At the same time, another Cyclones legend will take over the headset, as recently retired defensive end Julian Hollins becomes the next Head Coach of one of the premier organizations in semi-professional football.

It is the end of one incredible era.

And the beginning of another.

More Than a Coach

Coach Twan Golliday's story has never been ordinary.

After a spinal injury cut short his playing career, many would have walked away from football altogether.

Instead, Golliday chose another path.

He chose to lead.

Joining the Cyclones as a young defensive coordinator under legendary Head Coach Brian Hodge, he inherited a franchise known for explosive offense. What he built, however, became something even greater.

He transformed the Cyclones into one of the most feared defensive teams in the league.

Every season brought playoff football.

Championship expectations became the standard.

The identity of Missouri football changed forever.

When Coach Hodge handed Golliday the keys to the program in 2020, he wasn't just promoting a coordinator.

He was passing the future of the franchise to the right man.

The results speak for themselves.

Two league championships.

Four league championship game appearances.

Three national championship appearances.

And perhaps most importantly...

The 2023 National Championship.

The first national title in St. Louis minor league football history.

Those accomplishments alone would cement almost anyone's legacy.

But those who know Coach Golliday understand that championships were never the biggest part of his impact.

He built culture.

He built accountability.

He built family.

He created an expectation that every player wearing a Cyclones uniform represented something bigger than themselves.

That standard didn't just elevate the Missouri Cyclones.

It elevated football throughout the region.

Building Something Bigger Than Football

Last season, Coach Brian Hodge recognized Golliday's immeasurable value by naming him Co-Owner of the Missouri Cyclones.

It was a fitting reward for someone who had climbed every rung of the ladder—from coordinator, to head coach, to championship builder, and now organizational leader.

His partnership with former NFL defensive back Pierre Desir has already helped modernize recruiting, player development, and organizational operations through the 5P Program.

Now, moving into the front office full-time, Golliday will focus on recruiting, organizational leadership, and preparing the Cyclones for sustained success for years to come.

The headset may be coming off.

But his fingerprints will remain on every part of this organization.

Passing the Torch

One of the most powerful moments of this announcement wasn't a statistic.

It wasn't another championship.

It was a promise fulfilled.

Years ago, Coach Golliday looked at Julian Hollins and told him something few players ever hear.

"When your playing days are done, the head coaching job is yours."

This week...

He kept that promise.

There may not have been a better person to receive that torch.

Mr. Cyclone

If you asked opposing quarterbacks about Julian Hollins, they would probably tell you about sacks.

Quarterback pressures.

Tackles for loss.

Relentless effort.

Physical dominance.

But ask anyone inside the Cyclones organization...

And they'll tell you about something much bigger.

Leadership.

Loyalty.

Family.

Julian Hollins didn't just play for the Cyclones.

He embodied what it meant to be one.

An eight-year cornerstone of the defense, Hollins became one of the most respected players in the CMFL while earning a reputation as one of the league's fiercest competitors.

His resume is remarkable.

Team leader in sacks.

Team leader in quarterback pressures.

Team leader in tackles for loss.

Three-time finalist for the Cyclones Man of the Year Award.

A captain respected by teammates, coaches, and opponents alike.

His impact reached far beyond the stat sheet.

He became the standard.

The Cyclones even created the "Mr. Cyclone" Award to recognize the qualities Hollins displayed every single day.

That tells you everything you need to know.

The Next Era

Transitions like this are rarely easy.

Replacing a championship coach is one of the toughest jobs in sports.

But this doesn't feel like replacing a legend.

It feels like continuing one.

Julian Hollins has lived the Cyclones culture.

He understands what winning requires.

He knows the expectations.

He knows the sacrifices.

Most importantly...

He has earned the trust of the locker room.

Expect this version of the Cyclones to remain exactly what they've always been.

Physical.

Disciplined.

Fast.

Relentless.

Only now, they'll be led by someone who spent nearly a decade setting that standard on the football field.

Coach C's Final Thoughts

One thing I've learned covering this sport is that organizations don't stay elite because of talent alone.

They stay elite because they prepare for tomorrow while they're still winning today.

That is exactly what Missouri has done.

Coach Twan Golliday leaves the sideline with one of the greatest coaching résumés the CMFL has ever seen, but he isn't leaving the Cyclones.

He's simply moving to another position where his vision can continue shaping the future of the organization.

And now, one of the greatest players in franchise history gets his opportunity to write the next chapter.

One legend steps into the front office.

Another legend picks up the whistle.

If history has taught us anything...

Don't expect the Missouri Cyclones to go anywhere.