Kenneth Nelson has been relieved of his position as head football coach at McAdams High School, and the school is seeking a replacement.
Athletic director Kenyon Ross declined to comment, except to say, “We want to move in a different direction.” He said school principal Dietrich Harmon made the decision. Harmon declined comment.
Nelson was coach for a total of six years in two stints, 2012-15 and 2019 through last fall.
“I was let go or dismissed based on some things that took place with another program,” Nelson said, referring to an incident involving male and female members of track. “I'm not the track coach,” said Nelson.
Also, he received a reprimand for allowing former players to use McAdams’ facilities, including the weight room. “I always welcome alumni back,” he said.
A junior high football player suffered a concussion at an informal practice. Nelson said he was conducting powerlifting practice at the time and the injury happened under the supervision of an assistant coach.
There was also an incident at last fall's football game with Ethel between McAdams players and Ethel fans.
Nelson coached McAdams to the school's first victories ever over Simmons, Shaw, and Ray Brooks.
“He's a standup guy,” said Dustin Alford, who has been an assistant football coach the past two years and is the baseball coach. “He is one of the main reasons I am at McAdams. He and I have known each other for 10-plus years.”
Nelson is also boys and girls powerlifting coach and will remain in that capacity through state meets April 1 for girls and April 2 for boys. The teams have enjoyed great success, with the girls finishing second in the state last year in Class I for 1A and 2A schools. This year's team was runner-up in South State and advanced all 12 lifters to the state meet.
The boys were third in 1A a year ago.
Nelson hopes to continue coaching football and powerlifting. “I'm a man of faith. I'm going to take it one day at a time and let God direct me,” said Nelson. He added, “I don't agree with the decision.”
A notice on the Mississippi High School Activities Association website stated “McAdams High School has a job vacancy for a Head Football Coach for the 2022-23 school year. All valid teaching certifications will be considered. Applicants must have CDL or be willing to obtain one. Please send resume to Kenyon Ross at kross@attala.k12.ms.us.”
Ross has received several applications, including one from a McAdams assistant coach. “We're going through the process of looking at resumes of potential candidates.”
He said the school hopes to have a recommendation to the Attala County School Board in April.
“We're just looking for the best candidate who can build the program.”
