From Dr. Marlon King, superintendent, Jackson-Madison County School System –
Cedric Hampton made headlines in 2004 when he became the first black head football coach at the high school level in Jackson-Madison County.
He’s making headlines again after assuming the role as interim head coach of the North Side High School football team three days before their season opener against Hardin County.
“I’ve had a burning desire to get back to being a head coach,” coach Hampton said, “I didn’t expect it to happen this way, but I plan to do the best job possible for these young men.”
Head coach since 2018, Jesse Powell resigned from his coaching duties on Tuesday, but will continue to teach in the district.
Hampton was head football coach at Jackson Central-Merry from 2004-2009. He later coached at the middle school level before transitioning to North Side as an assistant in 2016.
“This is a good school system and we’ve got great kids that work hard here at North Side. I was able to help Coach Powell send several young men to college. I hope to continue impacting these young men in a very positive way,” Hampton said.
District officials will use discretion to field inquiries concerning the head coaching vacancy.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Chief Operations Officer Jason Bridgeman.
“We understand there will be current head coaches and coordinators interested in this opening,” said deputy superintendent Dr. Ricky Catlett, “We don’t want to be disruptive, but we want to know what our options are in filling this job long term. Our students deserve that.”
North Side travels to Hardin County, Friday. The Tribe’s first home game is August 26 against Covington.
(PHOTO: Cedric Hampton)
