top of page

 

A LETTER FROM COACH NOEL DEAN

HEAD COACH OF THE TIFT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BLUE DEVILS FOOTBALL TEAM

 

Dear Tift County Football Community,

 

I am writing to announce that I will not be seeking to renew my contract as the Head Football Coach at Tift

County High School at the conclusion of the academic year. This decision has not been an easy one, as it

comes with a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences I've had during my tenure here. I

have an unwavering love for this football team and a profound sense of duty to the senior class of 2024. I,

along with this coaching staff, will exhaust every effort to ensure that these final 5 games will not be their last

and will continue our collective pursuit of a region championship and a playoff berth.

​

Over the past 3 seasons, my family has undergone significant challenges, including my son's illness and the

events of the last few weeks. It has become evident to me that it is time for us to embark on a new chapter,

one focused on healing and recovery. I hope that this announcement can bring an end to the drama and

distractions that have enveloped our program in recent weeks, allowing our coaches and players to regain

their singular focus on the task at hand for the remainder of the season.

​

When I accepted this role, it was with the aspiration of creating a program that prioritized the holistic

development of our student-athletes, where their needs were placed at the forefront of our efforts. I took on

this position not out of necessity but out of a profound desire to connect with young men, to build authentic

relationships, and provide them with an enduring experience that they would carry throughout their lives.

​

While the decision to step away is undoubtedly difficult, I am proud of the accomplishments we have

achieved together. The establishment of the Four Tridents: Academics, Commitment, Character, and

Strength, has positioned the program and its student-athletes for success. Our team's GPA now stands above

86, with a participation rate exceeding 95% in team activities. We've witnessed a dramatic decline in football

players' ISS/OSS incidents, remarkable growth in the weight room, and dedicated community service totaling

hundreds of hours. I extend my gratitude to our players for their unwavering commitment and work ethic.

​

The impact in the community has been significant. From bringing the Red, White, and Blue Devil Game to

Tifton, to the enriching experiences provided by the Special Hearts Legends Game, and engagement in youth

through the Tift County Football LiTeracy Campaign, our program has stayed true to its commitment to

being a community-oriented program. We've provided our student-athletes with opportunities to

demonstrate leadership and nurture a sense of loyalty and duty. Furthermore, the youth levels have reached

unprecedented strength, and I want to express my sincere appreciation to Britt Wilson for his unwavering

dedication in this regard. His tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by this

community.

​

Tift County Football is on strong footing, and I am profoundly thankful for the coaches who have invested

their hearts and souls in this journey. When assembling a staff, I placed a premium on men that would

prioritize our players as individuals and dedicate themselves to helping players become not just better

athletes, but better people.

​

As I step away from the role of head coach, I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that together we

have crafted something extraordinary. I will forever treasure the memories, the camaraderie, and the growth

we've experienced as a team.

​

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the players, parents, fellow coaches, and the entire Tift County

community for their unwavering support and dedication.

 

Sincerely,

Noel Dean

bottom of page