Former Tennessee defensive undergraduate assistant Jake Dawson was named head coach for Clinton High School football in Clinton, Tennessee.
Dawson, 24, was on Tennessee’s staff under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt from 2019-20. He served as defensive coordinator at Catholic High School in Knoxville during the 2024 season.
Prior to his stint with Catholic, he was co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Heritage High School (Maryville, Tennessee) under head coach Joe Osovet. Osovet also served as an assistant coach for the Vols under Pruitt.
Dawson, a graduate of Marion County High School in Jasper, Tennessee, was defensive backs coach at Powell High School (Powell, Tennessee) when the Panthers won a state championship in 2021.
He will be Clinton’s third head coach in three years. Last year, Clinton (3-8) advanced to the 5A state playoffs for a second consecutive season.
Dawson told Vols Wire Clinton can be successful in 2025.
“When I look at the Clinton program, I see untapped potential, and I’m looking forward to working with these young men,” Dawson said. “I saw the facilities and they’re great, and the administration, (principal Robbie) Herrell and (athletic director Josh) Reid, they’re great people. I’m blessed. I don’t deserve this opportunity, but God is good.”
Reid said Dawson is the right person to lead Clinton’s program.
“Jake is a great young man and I look forward to see him work with our young men, and give the opportunity they deserve,” Reid said. “He’s wise beyond his years and the sky’s the limit.”
