Haywood’s change in leadership doesn’t change Jackson’s love
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. – Haywood went 10-11 under Ernie Jackson’s two years as head coach. He found out this week, he won’t be back for a third. “I understand people want results. I didn’t give the results,” said Jackson. “There’s a very rich tradition they want to get back to in Haywood.” But in 2013, he did give the school its first winning season since 2008. “So many entities that are involved in creating a program. They [Haywood County School District] felt a clean slate was necessary,” explained Jackson. The Tomcats went 4-6 last season. Jackson says his impact on his players went beyond the scoreboard. “When a senior in high school brings you their report card and shows excitement. It shows they wanted to be loved.” Jackson admits he’s made mistakes. Last September, he served a three-day suspension for unprofessional conduct. Jackson tells me this played no part in his departure, but served as a lesson. “Held things more accountable. It all falls on me. I’m the leader. I’m the head coach. I could have done better,” said Jackson. Jackson says for now he plans to stay at Haywood as the Physical Education instructor, but his heart is on the gridiron. “I don’t have any idea where its going to be. It may be in Brownsville, it may not. But we are ready to go.” Haywood County School board says they will begin an immediate search for a head football coach, according to their news release.
