Jackson returns for second coaching stint at Brainerd

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Brainerd football officially has its new head coach — well, sort of new. Former Panthers head coach Stanley Jackson has been hired for his second stint in ten years.

Jackson coached at Brainerd from 2010-2012, before moving on to be an assistant at Boyd Buchanan, Howard and Notre Dame. Last year, Jackson helped his former student Tyrus Ward lead the Panthers to an 8-5 season and second round of the playoffs as an assistant coach.

Jackson says he’s excited to get to coach his former students’ kids — and keep the transition in the Brainerd family.

“At first, it was kind of overwhelming, like, ‘Do I want to do this?’ But, when I got the feedback from some of the kids, and I love the kids that I service here at Brainerd, and I’m just hoping that the kids love Coach Jackson back,” Jackson said. “You know, it will work out to be something good.”