St. Benedict Coach Cobbs Navigates Cancer Diagnosis
Head coach Kevin Cobbs is leading the football team while managing a prostate cancer diagnosis and upcoming surgery.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Football
St. Benedict head football coach Kevin Cobbs, who received a prostate cancer diagnosis on August 11, 2026, continues to lead his team through a challenging season. He stepped into the role following the resignation of former coach Mitch McDaniel in September.
Why it matters
Coach Cobbs remains dedicated to his role to provide stability for his players and serve as a role model while managing his health. His commitment comes amid a difficult team season marked by forfeits and leadership transitions.
St. Benedict holds a current season record of 2-7 following a 13-7 victory over St. George's. Cobbs is scheduled to begin 25 radiation treatments for prostate cancer in late November 2026.
The players
Kevin Cobbs
He is the current head football coach at St. Benedict who is managing a cancer diagnosis while supporting his fiancée.
Mitch McDaniel
He is the former head coach at St. Benedict who resigned from the program in September 2026.
TSSAA
The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association is the governing body that ruled on the team's eligibility violation.
The details
After blood work for a planned hip replacement in June 2026 led to his cancer diagnosis, Cobbs chose to continue coaching to maintain program consistency. The team is currently recovering from a rocky start after the TSSAA forced the forfeiture of three games due to an ineligible player.
Timeline
June 2026: Cobbs underwent blood work that prompted his medical discovery.
August 11, 2026: Kevin Cobbs received his prostate cancer diagnosis.
September 21, 2026: The TSSAA determined St. Benedict had utilized an ineligible player.
September 22, 2026: Head coach Mitch McDaniel resigned from his position.
November 10, 2026: Cobbs is scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery.
Season Trajectory
The school's recovery from its three-game forfeiture follows the established pattern of programs attempting to rebuild team morale after administrative penalties. This resilience directly impacts the team's ability to maintain focus for their final games.
The team's current 2-7 record reflects the disruption caused by early-season forfeits, limiting their potential standing in the final rankings. Maintaining roster stability remains critical for the team as they look toward their remaining schedule.
The takeaway
Coach Cobbs demonstrates how leadership can provide stability during periods of personal and organizational adversity. His efforts highlight the supportive role that community fundraisers and team solidarity play when managing long-term health challenges.
What happens next
Kevin Cobbs is scheduled for hip replacement surgery on November 10, 2026, and will begin 25 radiation treatments for prostate cancer in late November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local sports landscape on the Football page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Appeal.
