Jonathan Simmons Resigned as Palisades Football Coach

The Palisades High School football head coach officially resigned after a period of suspension.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football

Jonathan Simmons Resigned as Palisades Football Coach

Live Poll

Do you believe local school districts provide sufficient oversight and support for high school sports programs?

Jonathan Simmons has resigned as the head coach of the Palisades High School football team. He had previously been placed on administrative leave by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district.

Why it matters

The departure leaves the program searching for stability as it navigates the remainder of the 2026 season. Interim coach Darrel Wilson remains in charge of the team operations moving forward.

The football team holds a current 4-1 record and is currently ranked No. 14 in the NC Super 25 and No. 7 in the Observer Sweet 16.

The players

Jonathan Simmons

He served as the head coach of the Palisades High School football program from its founding in 2022 until his 2026 resignation.

Darrel Wilson

He is currently serving as the interim head coach for the Palisades football team following the suspension of the previous head coach.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

This is the public school district that governs Palisades High School and oversees its athletic department personnel decisions.

The details

Simmons, who led the program since its 2022 inception, submitted his resignation via a text message. Darrel Wilson continues his role as interim coach, a position he assumed before the August 21 game against Ashbrook.

The Palisades High School football program opened in 2022.
Jonathan Simmons was suspended prior to August 21, 2026.
Jonathan Simmons resigned from his coaching position on September 19, 2026.

Administration
Sept. 18
Charlotte School Officials Faced Unpaid Invoices
Football
Sept. 18
Panthers Will Rule Brown Out Against Falcons
Football
Sept. 22
Kareem Hunt Linked to Carolina Panthers

Season Trajectory

The resignation of a founding head coach creates a period of uncertainty for a relatively new program. This leadership change could impact the team's standing in the regional and state rankings for the remainder of the season.

The team enters the next phase of the season with 11 returning starters under interim leadership. Players and fans are looking to maintain the current 4-1 record despite the change in the head coaching role.

The takeaway

Maintaining performance during mid-season leadership transitions requires significant focus from the remaining coaching staff and players. Consistency in team operations is often the primary goal for programs dealing with sudden personnel changes.