South Side football coach Reeder resigns

Tyler Reeder is no longer the head football coach at South Side High School.

Reeder officially resigned as the Hawks’ head coach last week, completing seven complete seasons and a partial one leading the program.

During that time, Reeder led the program to an overall record of 34-50.

During his tenure leading the program, the Hawks made the playoffs the last six years, finishing as region runner-up and hosting a first-round playoff game four times.

“When I came to interview for the job, it was maybe my fifth time to even come to Jackson,” said Reeder, who played high school ball at McKenzie. “I had no expectations of getting the job, much less staying here for 10 years.”

Reeder said South Side is a special place, and he’s grateful for his time to be a head football coach. But he said it’s time for him to spend more time with his wife and two sons.

“I’ve got two sons of my own, but when you’re a coach, the team becomes your family too,” Reeder said. “So I’ve got about 300 other sons who’ve come through our fieldhouse over the past decade.”

The highlights of Reeder’s tenure came in 2017 and 2018. The Hawks made it to the state quarterfinals in ’17 and went 10-2 the following season.

While there’s no indication yet of who will be the next leader for the team, Reeder said he’s excited to keep up with the team this fall.

“The next coach will have a good group of seniors to lead the team in their first season,” Reeder said. “A lot of them have been starters for three years already, so they’re experienced and will work hard for whoever the next coach is.”

Jackson-Madison County Schools Deputy Superintendent Ricky Catlett said JMCSS is currently accepting applications for the job and plans to interview candidates and have a hire made to name the next head coach in the weeks to come.

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news