Three-time state champion coach Shane Jacobs resigns at Peabody

Peabody coach Shane Jacobs coaches the Golden Tide in the Class 2A state semifinals against Waverly in 2020.

After meeting with his team, faculty and booster club, Peabody head football coach Shane Jacobs has announced that he is resigning as coach of the Golden Tide.

“This position has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. I am eternally grateful for the trust this community and its parents placed in me and our coaches with the responsibility of our players,” Jacobs said. “The support I have received from this community—my family and this program—over the last 13 years has been nothing short of remarkable. There is no better place to coach high school football in West Tennessee than in Trenton.”

On Monday, it was announced that Jacobs will be the new Head of Upper School at University School of Jackson, effective July 1, succeeding Mr. David Suber.

“Shane is a proven leader and brings a wealth of experience in building relationships, supporting students, running school operations, and implementing strategic initiatives,” said Don Roe, USJ’s Head of School. “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. We are excited to welcome him to our leadership team.”

Jacobs has coached Peabody since the 2015 season. During the past 10 years, the Golden Tide holds a 102-29 record — a .779 winning percentage.

He led them to three straight state championships — 2018, ’19 and ’20 — while playing in Class 2A. He also led them to five semifinal appearances, seven quarterfinal appearances and nine second round appearances.

During the three state championship appearances, Jacobs led Peabody to a nation’s best 44 straight victories. The Golden Tide lost to Gibson County Sept. 28, 2018 and didn’t lose again for 1,120 days when they lost to Huntingdon on Oct. 22, 2021.

Peabody also had 27 players sign to play college football, including 8 current college football players.

“To the players, past and present: Only we truly know the times, the stories, the relationships, the good and the bad, that unfolded inside the walls of our field house,” Jacobs said. “The memories we’ve created together will always remain a personal keepsake and treasure for me. Thank you to every player who has been a part of this program over the last 13 years. We’ve had the opportunity to impact nearly an entire generation of young athletes in Trenton. What an unbelievable honor that I will always cherish.

“To the administration and school board of the Trenton Special School District, and specifically Coach (Tim) Haney and Sandra Harper: You entrusted a 29-year-old kid with the keys to a tradition-rich, first-class program. I was born and raised in Alabama, but Trenton became my home. 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. 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. Because of the strong administration currently in place, I have every confidence that it will achieve great things.”

Before becoming head coach, Jacobs was the defensive coordinator at Peabody for three seasons under Ricky Woods and Joe Gaddis. He was also an assistant coach at North Side before coming to Peabody.

But for Jacobs, the decision to step away came down to his four children.

“One Sunday afternoon last fall, our coaches were at the field house preparing for a big game,” Jacobs said. “I needed to be there, and desperately wanted to be there. But instead, I was at the Sportsplex in Jackson watching my youngest son play baseball. My wife was in Nashville with our oldest son, who was also playing baseball. My mother-in-law was watching our three-year-old at her house. My oldest daughter had hitched a ride to Missouri for her basketball tournament.

“My son’s team won their first game of the day, sending them to the semifinals of the tournament. As the excitement among other parents grew, my anxiety of needing to be in two places at once grew as well. In the top half of the last inning of the semifinal, my son made an incredible diving catch and doubled the tying run off first base (throwing from his knees) to preserve a one-run win, sending his team to the championship. His spectacular play delayed my return to film study by at least two more hours.

“Finally, I arrived at work late that Sunday evening—several hours later than usual. I was filled with guilt. Guilt for wanting to be at work instead of with my son at his game, and guilt for working on a Sunday night instead of being at home with my family. That day has played out too frequently. 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.”