Bearden parts ways with head football coach after three seasons

Posted by author February 18, 2025 Football

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Josh Jones and Bearden High School have parted ways after Jones spent three seasons at the helm of the Bulldogs’ football program, reported by Jesse Smithey at 5Star Preps.

“Josh Jones is no longer serving as the head coach of Bearden High School’s football program,” Bearden administration stated in a press release. “The school has decided to go in a different direction this year and will start the hiring process for a new head coach ahead of the 2025 season.”

Jones spent 2022-2024 as the head coach at Bearden. He led the Bulldogs to a 25-13 record with three postseason appearances with a trip to the 6A quarterfinals in 2023 and 2024.

On Jan. 31, 2025, the state comptroller’s office published a report on the Bearden football program and how it supplemented pay to assistant coaches without Knox County Schools’ approval.

Previous Coverage: Bearden High School Booster Club wrongfully paid football coaches $60K in bonuses, state says

WVLT News reached out to a representative for Knox County Schools, asking if the investigation had anything to do with the decision to part ways with Jones. The representative provided the same statement as above.

Now the search for a new head football coach at Bearden begins headed into the 2025 season. The Bulldogs roster is stacked with several Division I talents, including 2027 quarterback D.J. Hunter.