John graduated from Sheffield High School in 1981 where he was member of the football and wrestling teams. He was All-Area during his senior season in football and was a State Runner-up wrestler in the 155 pound weight class. he graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1985 and began a very successful coaching career in the Shoals Area. While still in college he was an assistant wrestling coach at Sheffield in 1984 and then became an assistant football coach for the Bulldogs in 1985. In 1987 he became the offensive and defensive line coach at Deshler High School and was named Defensive Coordinator the following year by Hall of Fame Member Coach Tandy Gerald. When Coach Gerald retired in 1994, John was named the head coach. During his coaching tenure, Deshler has been in the state finals seven times and led the Tigers to State Championships in 1998 and 1999. He has a record of 185 wins and 45 losses, leading Deshler to Area or Region Championships 15 times.