Jackson High School names new head football coach

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – The Jackson R-2 School District Board of Education approved the hire of a new Jackson High School Head Football Coach.

Ryan Nesbitt will be the new Jackson High School Head Football Coach for the 2023-2024 school year.

Coach Nesbitt has 14 years experience as a football coach.

He most recently served as the head football coach at Troy Buchanan High School in Troy, Missouri where he has been for the last nine years. He took the school to their first final four appearance in school history, was named the all time winningest coach in school history, holds the highest single season win total in school history along with setting many other school records.

“After a careful and thoughtful search, we look forward to working with Coach Nesbitt at Jackson High School. We believe he will be a great fit for our student athletes and school community,” said John Martin, Jackson R-2 School District Athletic Director.

Coach Nesbitt places high importance on developing the character of athletes, encouraging good attitudes, quality sportsmanship, as well as promoting good work ethic through excellence in the classroom as well as on the field, according to the Jackson R-2 School District.

He will take over as head coach after current coach Brent Eckley retires.

“The philosophies of Coach Nesbitt line up well with the tough, smart, strong culture of the JHS football program. I have no doubt that he will continue to build upon the success of this program because of his passion for helping players be their best and his appreciation of this hardworking staff, as well as being part of such a supportive football community,” said Coach Brent Eckley.

Coach Nesbitt will come to Jackson with his wife Kara and three young daughters.

“We look forward to working with Coach Nesbitt. I know how welcoming our community is and I know he will feel at home in this great District,” said Dr. Scott Smith, Superintendent of Schools.