Paul Palmer joined the Hornets' coaching staff in 2012 working with the linebackers.

Palmer was a running back on scholarship at Western Michigan University before graduating in 1989. He competed in football and track at Okemos High School.

Palmer has been a physical/health education teacher and football coach at Okemos High School the past 23 years, including nine years as head coach. He also served at times as head track and field coach, assistant basketball coach, and assistant girls lacrosse coach. As head coach, two of his teams made the MHSAA playoffs, and Palmer was named the 2011 Lansing State Journal Class A Coach of the Year. He also received the 2011 Crystal Apple Award from Michigan State University's College of Education.

Paul resides in Okemos with his wife, Colleen, and children, Kara, Angela, and Tony.