KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Bearden High School Football Program Makes a Change

The Bearden High School football program in Knoxville is set for a transition as they part ways with head coach Jones. According to reports, the decision was made on Tuesday afternoon after Jones led the Bulldogs for three seasons, turning the program into a competitive contender in Class 6A.

During his time at Bearden, Jones steered the Bulldogs to the playoffs every year, achieving a notable 9-4 record this past season. His overall coaching record at the school stands at 25 wins and 13 losses, showcasing his capacity to build a strong team.

The school’s Athletic Director, Morgan Shinlever, indicated that the change was considered to be in the best interest of the athletic program. This announcement comes shortly after a troubling report emerged regarding financial mismanagement within the Bearden High School Football Booster Club. The report from the Tennessee comptroller’s office highlighted that improper payments totaling **$60,000** were distributed to assistant coaches from July 2022 to September 2024 without the necessary permissions from Knox County.

In light of these circumstances, Knox County Schools spokesperson Carly Harrington confirmed that the school has decided to go in a different direction for the upcoming year. They will begin the search for a new head coach ahead of the 2025 season.

As the program moves forward, changes are expected that may reshape the future of Bearden football, which has recently shown promise on the field under Jones’s leadership.