After filling in on an interim basis, Holmes football coach Jonathan Hopkins has informed the school he is retiring and won’t be seeking the job permanently.
After Ben Nevels resigned in May, the program was tasked with finding a coach quickly for the 2025 season. Hopkins, a longtime assistant with the program, filled in and led the Bulldogs to a 2-8 campaign.
“We appreciate coach Hopkins for being here and coaching this past year,” Bulldogs Athletic Director Ken Ellis said. “He has submitted his resignation as he prepares for retirement, which we were aware was coming.”
The position is now officially posted on the school’s website for those interested in applying.
“Our goal is to have a new head coach in place by the end of December,” Ellis said.
The program is currently in a two-year period where they’ve opted out of district play for 2025 and ’26 and ineligible for postseason play. The goal is to build numbers back up after two winless seasons in 2023 and ’24. They took a step in the right direction with two wins this past season over Jackson County and Lewis County.
Participation also increased, the KHSAA roster had 39 players in 2025 compared to 23 in 2024. Of the 39 players on the current roster, seven of them are seniors including leading rusher Xarion Foster and top tackler RaShawn Johnson. The majority of their skill players are anticipated to return as are three of the top five tacklers on the team.