Bessemer City Football placed on AHSAA probation – fires entire coaching staff

Bessemer, AL – The Bessemer City Purple Tigers will have their fourth head football coach in the past four seasons when they return to the gridiron in late August. The School announced this week that first year head coach Darone Fagan and is entire coaching staff would not be renewed.

Fagan lead the Tigers to a 7-5 mark, including a trip to the second round of the 6A post season, in his lone season in Bessemer.

“I understand this situation is a difficult one for everyone involved- students, parents and coaches,” said Bessemer City Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Stewart. “However, once we were made aware of the issue, the District was required to investigate, take action, and accept the consequences,”

The Bessemer City School Board voted 5-2 to dismiss Fagan and his staff after the AHSAA placed the Tigers on probation following the program self-reported holding unauthorized practices. In addition to a $300 fine, the Tigers will be prohibited from participating in any team competitions before the fall practice season begins. Additional sanctions include canceling the 10 day spring practice period and pulling the plug on the team’s spring game against the Oak Mountain Eagles.

The Purple Tigers are scheduled to open the 2019 season August 23rd, at home against the Huffman Vikings.

Bessemer City joins fellow metro area programs Leeds and McAdory with head coaching vacancies less than three months before the start of the 2019 football season.

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