Suspended Palisades football coach Jonathan Simmons resigns. ‘It’s been an honor’
Jonathan Simmons will not return as head coach at Palisades High School.
Simmons told The Observer, via text, Saturday morning that he was resigning. He did not say if he was vacating his position as a teacher.
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“This decision was not made lightly,” Simmons said, via text. “Coaching at Palisades has meant far more to me than simply being on the sidelines on Friday nights. It has been a tremendous honor to build relationships, mentor young people, navigate adversity, and be a part of a community that cares deeply about the village. Building the program from day 1 has been quite the journey that I will never forget.”
Simmons was suspended, with pay, by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before Palisades’ first game against Ashbrook on Aug. 21.
Neither the school system, nor Simmons, provided a reason for the suspension.
CMS officials told The Observer that Palisades principal Erik Olejarczyk sent a note to parents at the school following the decision to suspend Simmons.
The letter, provided to The Observer by CMS, said that Darrel Wilson, the defensive coordinator, would be the interim coach. Wilson was a star player at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia in the 1990s.
Wilson later told The Observer he was informed of the change just hours before the Ashbrook game, which Palisades rallied to win, 42-28.
Palisades improved to 4-1 after a 41-12 win at Independence Friday. The Pumas are ranked No. 14 in the latest NC Super 25 poll for the state’s top teams and No. 7 in The Observer’s long-running Sweet 16 regional rankings.
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Simmons had been the Pumas’ coach since the school opened in 2022. After going 2-9 and 3-7 in his first two seasons, Simmons led Palisades to an 8-4 record in 2024, and again in 2025.
This season’s team had heightened expectations, with 11 returning starters, including three all-conference players: QB Cole Hough, defensive back Nick Rankin and offensive lineman Ephraim Holmes.
Simmons said he had no further comment about his decision. Here is the remainder of his text message:
To our players: Thank you for allowing me to coach you, challenge you, and believe in you. Always remember that football is bigger than wins and losses. The lessons of discipline, accountability, teamwork, perseverance, and character will stay with you long after your playing days are over. Continue to represent yourselves, your families, and Palisades with pride.
To the parents, families, coaches, teachers, administrators, and supporters: Thank you for your encouragement, and support. I am grateful for every conversation, every Friday night, every practice, every celebration, and every difficult moment that helped shape this experience.
Palisades Football will always hold a special place in my heart. While I am stepping away from the program, I will continue to wish the players and this community nothing but success. I hope the young men of Palisades continue to grow, lead, compete, and make a positive impact both on and off the field.
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