Warrior’s farewell
- Updated: November 12, 2025
After coaching Cherokee County to 65 wins, including three consecutive Class 4A runner-up finishes, Kelley informs principal of intention to resign.
By Shannon Fagan
WEIS Sports Director
CENTRE – Jacob Kelley helped return the Cherokee County High School football program among the best in Alabama Class 4A, but a new head coach will have to carry the torch in 2026 and beyond.
Cherokee County High School Principal Bobby Tittle confirmed Wednesday morning to WEIS Radio of Kelley’s intention to resign as the Warriors’ head football coach.
Kelley leaves Cherokee County following seven seasons with an overall record of 65-23, including three consecutive 4A runners-up finishes, from 2022-24. The Warriors finished the 2025 season at 7-4, including last Friday’s 28-26 at Good Hope in a first-round playoff game.
“We’ve been blessed to have him for seven years,” said Tittle, who was returning from a work trip at Perdido Beach when he spoke to WEIS. “He’s looking at some other options. We wanted him to stay, but like I say, he wanted to explore other options.”
Kelley could not be reached for comment by the time of this posting.
Tittle said Kelley sent him a text Monday morning, wanting to meet to discuss his intentions. Tittle said he told Kelley to wait on that meeting, as he was still at Perdido Beach.
Tittle then said he had a phone call “talking through a few things” with Kelley.
“I came (to Centre) his second year, and we’ve had a great relationship the entire time,” Tittle said. “He cares about the kids. He works hard, and he works the kids hard. He’s brought our program up to one of the best in the state, year in and year out.
“He’s a good friend, as well. If you’re around someone like he and I are around each other, it’s more than just a work relationship. You turn that into a good friendship, as well.”
Tittle called Kelley’s decision to leave “a little bit of a surprise,” said the Warriors wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor.
Tittle said the school will seek his replacement “as soon as possible.”
“Obviously the timing right now, if you have to go looking for a coach, this is the best time to do that, especially as the football season winds down,” Tittle said. “My initial hope is to have somebody in place in January.”
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