Shane Jacobs resigns as Peabody football coach after 10 seasons, three state championships

AI-assisted summary
• Shane Jacobs resigned from his position as Peabody High School's football coach after 10 seasons.
• Jacobs led the Golden Tide to three consecutive TSSAA state championships in 2018-20.
• Jacobs leaves Peabody with a 102-29 overall record.

Shane Jacobs has resigned as the Peabody football coach and the school's assistant principal, according to a post on the school's athletic department's X account, formerly Twitter, on Thursday.

In a statement to The Jackson Sun, obtained Thursday, Jacobs shared an anecdote of watching his youngest son playing baseball at the Jackson Sportsplex in the fall while his wife was watching their oldest son play in Nashville.

Jacobs' son made a diving catch and made a tough throw to double off the runner at first base, sending his team to the championship game of the tournament.

As exciting as the game was, Jacobs said he felt anxious and guilty because he wanted to be at work, breaking down film and putting a gameplan together, instead of enjoying being at his son's game.

"That day has played out too frequently," Jacobs wrote. "There are times in life when we have the luxury to do what we want to do. That time has passed for me. I must now focus on what I need to do. I need to be more present for my four kids and my wife."

Jacobs guided the Golden Tide to three consecutive TSSAA football state championships from 2018-20, including back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2018 and 2019. Peabody also won five straight region championships 2018-2021.

Jacobs compiled a 102-29 record in his 10 seasons leading the Golden Tide. He was a defensive coordinator for Peabody for three years prior to his head coaching role and was also an assistant coach at North Side.

"I was born and raised in Alabama, but Trenton became my home," Jacobs wrote. "Thank you for your patience through my mistakes, the tough times, and the difficult decisions. While there were hard moments, your unwavering support and trust allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I will be forever grateful."

"As my family and I look forward to new challenges, I leave this place with the fondest memories and deepest gratitude," Jacobs wrote. "I have two sons who grew up on the sidelines of Walter Kilzer Stadium. I love this place — the people, the players, the students, and the community — with all my heart. This place is special, and it has great potential to continue growing and thriving in the years to come."

Jacobs' program had a 44-game winning streak which spanned over three calendar years and had 27 players sign to play college football with eight players currently active.

Jacobs has been named the new Head of Upper School at University School of Jackson, effective July 1, USJ announced Thursday on its X account. He was principal at Peabody from 2021-23.

"Shane is a proven leader and brings a wealth of experience in building relationships, supporting students, running school operations and implementing strategic initiatives," said USJ Head of School, Don Roe, in a statement. "His strong reputation in West Tennessee is well deserved. I've known him as a man of high character, and his skill set will be a tremendous asset to USJ's Upper School."

Peabody went 4-6 in 2024 with all four wins coming in Region 6-2A play.

Austin Chastain is a sports writer covering West Tennessee high schools. Reach him by email at achastain@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ChastainAJ.