Jackson new chief of Indians

Jeremy Jackson has his dream job.

The 2008 graduate of Byhalia High School is the Indians’ new head football coach.

“This was a goal I set when I graduated high school,” he said. “I wanted to head up this program and help build it. I’m totally excited.”

The 30-year-old replaces John Danley, one of his mentors. Danley will be a full-time administrator.

“Coach Danley has been one of those who has taught me how to build — how to put good things in motion,” Jackson said. “He’s had a big impact on me.”

Jackson was a three year starter as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Byhalia Indians. He played two years for coach Gaylon Jones and then two for coach Devin Rutherford.

He was a part of the school’s first-ever state playoff berth in his senior season.

Jackson then attended the University of Mississippi and earned a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies.

He taught and coached at H.W. Byers and Byhalia Middle School. This is his second year teaching at BHS. He has been an assistant coach at the high school for six years.

Jackson said Coach Rutherford helped him make his career decision.

“He steered me in the right direction,” Jackson said. “I told him I thought I wanted to get into coaching and come back home. He told me that I would love teaching too. I always enjoyed history, so that’s the route I took.”

Jackson has been a part of the Byhalia football program from the ground up. It all began in 2002, and he was a member of the junior high team.

“Then I was a part of that first-ever playoff team (as a varsity player),” he said.

“To be honest, Coach Rutherford, in my junior and senior years, put a lot on my plate. He entrusted his senior class to be leaders. He taught us a lot — to be coaches on the field. I knew then I wanted to be a coach.”

He was also influenced greatly by coach James Kimbrough, coach Jason Thompson and coach Mark Jean-Louis.

“Coach Kimbrough (at Byers) taught me a lot about the Xs and Os,” Jackson said.

He also assisted Thompson with basketball at Byers.

“Coach Thompson taught me what it took to be a winner,” Jackson said.

Coach Jean-Louis was also a mentor during his time as a young coach at BMS and BHS.

“I feel I’m ready for this (head coach at the varsity level),” Jackson said. “I’ve been around some really quality coaches and learned so much. I believe I can take the next step and take us where we need to go as a football team. I want to see the kids grow and help them get to next level.”

The Indians will have a couple of weeks of spring practice starting April 26. They will play in a jamboree at Byers on May 7.

He expects a good turnout this spring. The Indians finished 2-6 last season, losing in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs. There was no spring and summer work leading up the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19.

“We have a lot of guys coming back from last season, and I’m expecting big things,” Jackson said. “Of course, we have to catch up (due to the missed work) and continue to learn.”

He doesn’t plan many changes in schemes on offense or defense.

“We will do a lot of things the same, but we will also make some adjustments to fit the strengths of the team,” Jackson said.

He said he knows his Indians will be an underdog going into the new season, but that’s OK with him.

“Hopefully, we can surprise some folks and make some noise,” Jackson said.

He said he knows there were some good candidates for the head coaching job at his alma mater.

“But I believe I was the best choice for the kids,” he said. “It’s my time, and this is my hometown.

“I always want what’s best for the kids.”