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Noel Dean, Tift County High's head football coach, announced Monday that he will not seek renewal of his contract "at the conclusion of the academic year."
"Over the past three seasons, my family has undergone significant challenges, including my son's illness and the events of the last few weeks," Dean wrote in a letter to the "Tift County football community."
"It has become evident to me that it is time for us to embark on a new chapter, one focused on healing and recovery. I hope that this announcement can bring an end to the drama and distractions that have enveloped our program in recent weeks, allowing our coaches and players to regain their singular focus on the task at hand for the remainder of the season."
During the past week, the Tift County Board of Education placed Tift County High Principal Chad Stone on temporary leave and Superintendent Adam Hathaway on indefinite leave without stating any reasons.
A Tift County Schools spokesman said Stone is scheduled to return to his duties on Thursday; regarding Hathaway, "there is no additional information available at this time."
Hathaway had recruited Dean to Tift County from Michigan three years ago, and some local residents had called for Dean's removal after last year's 1-9 season and this year's slow start with one win and four losses. Dean's first season in Tift County ended with a 6-5 record.
Dean had served three decades as a legendary high school coach in Michigan, where he was elected to the Michigan High School Football Association Coaches Hall of Fame, had won three state championships, finished as state runner-up three times, and made nine semifinals appearances.
Before this year's season began, Dean said he had decided to build the Tift County team's foundation the right way, even though he knew there would be some initial losses.
He built his Tift County Blue Devils program on what he called "four tridents":
– The first priority is academics. Players must pass all their classes. “That’s just going to happen,” Dean said. “If we’re not doing that, then why are we even here?”
– The second is commitment. “Are we on time? Do we show up to everything?” Dean said.
– The third pillar is character. For instance, he said stealing and lying are not fixable; they are intentional, and they speak to who you are.
– The fourth pillar is pure strength. “It’s hard to play football if you’re not strong. It protects your body. It builds your self-esteem,” Dean said.
In his letter to the community, Dean wrote, "When I accepted this role, it was with the aspiration of creating a program that prioritized the holistic development of our student-athletes, where their needs were placed at the forefront of our efforts. I took on this position not out of necessity but out of a profound desire to connect with young men, to build authentic relationships, and provide them with an enduring experience that they would carry throughout their lives."
He said he was proud of his players and coaches, that the team members work hard, have a GPA score above 86, a participation rate exceeding 95% in team activities, show "remarkable growth in the weight room," and dedicated community service totaling hundreds of hours. Dean said there has also been "a dramatic decline in football players' ISS/OSS (in-school and out-of-school suspension) incidents."
When assembling a staff, Dean said he "placed a premium on men that would prioritize our players as individuals and dedicate themselves to helping players become not just better athletes, but better people. As I step away from the role of head coach, I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that together we have crafted something extraordinary.
"I will forever treasure the memories, the camaraderie, and the growth we've experienced as a team."
To read Coach Dean's full letter, Click Here!
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