Head Football Coach Position Announced
Jackson Academy announced that Coach David Duggan has returned to Jackson Academy to serve as the school’s head football coach. A dedicated and veteran leader on and off the field, Coach Duggan first came to JA in the fall of 2022, armed with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an impressive college and professional football record.
Having just completed a term as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Kent State under Head Coach Kenni Burns, Duggan now returns to oversee the development of JA’s football program encompassing fifth through twelfth grades. He is dedicated to continuing the school’s focus on building scholar-athletes of character who reach their peak potential both inside and outside the classroom.
“I’m very excited to return to Jackson Academy as the head football coach. When I was here previously as the defensive coordinator, I really enjoyed being part of the JA community,” said Coach Duggan. “I fully support the JA philosophy of helping students to identify their talents and develop their gifts. I hope to make an impact on the student athletes by inspiring them to reach their goals and challenging them to do their best daily. I believe that developing student-athletes of character off the field and creating a positive environment will lead to winning championships on the field. I can’t wait to get started!”
A previous recruiter at Troy University, Duggan served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Arkansas State University from 2019-2020. During that time, he helped lead the Red Wolves to a Camellia Bowl appearance in the 2019 season. Before Arkansas State, Duggan was at Western Michigan from 2016-2018. He was linebackers coach for all three seasons and the special teams coordinator for his final two. Duggan helped to lead the Broncos to two bowl appearances during his tenure and a Mid-American Conference Championship in 2016. The 2016 Broncos team finished with an undefeated regular season. It was ranked as high as 12th in the nation, leading to a berth in the Cotton Bowl for that season. The Broncos also made the Idaho Potato Bowl in the 2018 season. Duggan also had two stints at the University of Southern Mississippi from 2013-2016 and 2008-2011, with a stop at the University of North Carolina from 2012-2013. While at USM, Duggan was linebackers coach every year, special teams coordinator from 2009-2010, co-defensive coordinator in 2011, and defensive coordinator from 2013-16. Duggan and his wife, Lynne, have two daughters, Olivia and Grace.
In his announcement, Athletic Director Brandt Walker said, “I look forward to Coach Duggan’s leadership, expertise, and guidance not only at the helm of JA’s football program but also within the school and community.”
Brittany Ford to Become Head Softball Coach
Jackson Academy announced that Brittany Ford has been selected as the new head softball coach for next year’s season. Coach Ford has been an assistant coach for the softball and basketball teams, as well as the head girls track coach team during the past three years. Her love and passion for JA speak volumes about her as a coach and a person.
Coach Ford confirms her mission “is to teach young girls life lessons of character, respect, faith, and love through the game of softball. I will work every day to develop confidence, accountability, and work ethic in each athlete through discipline, expectation, and love. I will work hard to help this program produce young women of character who will one day be women of power, have undeniable FAITH, and take true pride in their school.”
Athletic director Brandt Walker said in his announcement, “I look forward to having Coach Ford, a proven leader at JA, as the next head coach of our softball program. Her coaching ability and proven work ethic will be a great asset to our team, athletic department and school.”
