Franklin High School football coach Josh Adkins has been removed from his position after three seasons leading the program.
The decision was confirmed on Tuesday following a meeting between Adkins and principal Dr. Shane Pantall, the Williamson Herald reported.
Adkins, a U.S. Army Infantry veteran who served in Afghanistan, guided the Admirals to two playoff appearances during his tenure. Despite the team’s postseason success, including a second-round run in 2024, the school administration opted to change the program’s leadership.
"It’s his ship and I’m just a passenger on it at this point," Adkins said of the decision, according to the Williamson Herald. He said that he remains grateful for the opportunity to have led the team.
“However, the administration has decided to move in a new direction with the leadership of its football program,” principal Dr. Shane Pantall said in a statement, while noting that Adkins will remain on staff as a social studies teacher. "Coach Adkins is an excellent educator and a man of great character and will remain on staff as a social studies teacher here at FHS," Pantall said in a statement.
The Admirals finished the 2024 season with a first-round playoff loss to Region 5-6A champion Antioch, falling 28-10 on November 6. This followed a season where the team reached the second round of the playoffs after an upset road victory over Antioch, eventually falling to rival Ravenwood.
Adkins was hired in January 2024 following a difficult 2023 season. That year, the program fired coach Alex Melton after an 0-7 start and a 22-game losing streak. The Admirals were the No. 4 seed in Region 6-6A this season, after missing the playoffs last season with a 3-7 record.
Adkins compiled an overall record of 15-18 during his three years at Franklin. Prior to joining the Admirals, he coached at Gallatin for five seasons, where he was a defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator. His coaching background also includes time on the staff at Middle Tennessee State University and McNeese State University.
Following the announcement on Wednesday, Adkins met with his players and staff to share the news.
What is the status of the football coaching staff?
While Josh Adkins has been removed as head coach, he will continue his role as a social studies teacher at the school. The administration has not yet announced a successor for the football program.
How did the Admirals perform in the 2024 season?
The team was the No. 4 seed in Region 6-6A and reached the first round of the Class 6A playoffs. Their season ended with a 28-10 loss to Antioch on November 6.
Who confirmed the decision?
The decision was confirmed by Williamson County athletic director Patrick Whitlock and principal Dr. Shane Pantall.
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