Holmes High School Offensive Coordinator Jon Hopkins has been chosen to serve as the interim head football coach for the Bulldogs upcoming 2025 season. Hopkins will assume the role following the resignation of Ben Nevels, who served as coach for 12 years.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the new head football coach at Holmes High School. My dedication to this school and community runs deep,” said Hopkins in a district press release. “I love Holmes High School, I love this community, and I’m eager to bring that same passion and commitment to leading our football program.”
Hopkins has served as assistant coach since 2001. He’s also led the boys’ track team for 15 years and currently works as a counselor at the high school.
“With over three decades in education and 30 years on the football field—24 of them at Holmes High School—he has not only coached generations of athletes but built lasting relationships that now span parents and their children. His commitment to students and this community is unmatched,” said Ken Ellis, Holmes Athletic Director.
The former coach, Nevels, guided the Bulldogs to 50 wins, including a playoff victory in 2019, their first since 2009 when current Newport Central Catholic coach Stephen Lickert was the coach. The Bulldogs had a solid run from 2019-22, going 29-15 in that stretch. They’ve gone winless the past two seasons.
The Bulldogs first regular season game of the 2025 season is on Aug. 22 against Boone County High School.
Evan Dennison contributed reporting to this brief.