Rydell Jackson Named Transportation Director for JCCS, Steps Down as Coach

Rydell Jackson had been involved with high school football for decades as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

Jackson felt it was time for something new, however, and has stepped down after three seasons as head coach at Jasper County-Monticello High School. He is currently transitioning to a new role as transportation director for the Jasper County School System.

“The position became available and they approached me about it,” Jackson said. “This past football season took a toll on me and my family. Being transportation director is something I always wanted to do. The opportunity might not present itself again so I decided to make the change.”

Jackson, a former standout Hurricane player himself, worked numerous years as an assistant coach with the program before being promoted to head coach prior to the 2018 season. His first team made the state playoffs.

“I enjoyed coaching and being with the kids but the job became so much to deal with,” he said. “It seemed as head coach you were actually doing less coaching and doing more administrative duties.”

Jackson, who has coached for 22 seasons, said he will not completely rule out a return to the sidelines at some point down the road but for now he looks forward to his new opportunity where he will replace the retiring Jerry Williams.

“My son is a junior this year so I will get to watch his senior season as a parent,” Jackson said. “I talked this over with him and my family. He broke his leg in the second game of the season and that was tough for him and me. We hope he will be back at full strength. It has also been tough with the loss of my mother. I know people who have been through that understand how tough that is.”

To that end, taking over the helm of the Jasper County Transportation Department seems a natural progression as Rydell grew up in & around that department. Both of his now deceased parents Charlie Lee & Marjorie Jackson, also affectionately known as “Snapper” and “Margie,” were longtime employees and eventual retirees from the department. Snapper could wield a bus like few could except for maybe his wife, Margie. And no doubt, they had a young Rydell in “transportation” mode early on.

The toughest part of the decision was talking to the Jasper County-Monticello football players about his decision, the coach said. The 2020 season was full of challenges involving COVID-19 which caused the cancellation of spring practice last May and tight restrictions on summer workouts.

“All of them hold a special place in my heart,” Jackson said. “It was a difficult year for all of us. It was still a tough decision but things fell into place. I want to see this program do well. I love the Hurricanes from football to tennis. We want to see it get back to its glory days.”

Overall, the football program has had to contend with being in Class AA when, at times, it was one of the smallest in the classification.

“Right now, we are making sure to get more kids involved,” Jackson said. “We need kids to play more than one sport.”

Superintendent Kenny Garland said on Monday afternoon that the position for a new head coach is currently being advertised. The deadline for applications is January 19.

Garland said the plan is to have a new head coach hired in time for spring practice. He expressed appreciation for what Jackson has meant to the school and its football program for more than two decades.

“Coach Jackson has been very dedicated and loyal to our school and community,” the superintendent said. “He has served faithfully as a teacher and coach for JCHS. I am excited to work with him at the district level as he assumes the role of transportation director. He has been, and will continue to, be an asset for our students and system.”

Interviews will likely begin at the end of January or the beginning of February, Garland said.