Jackson County Public Schools is delighted to announce JT Postell as the newly appointed Head Football Coach at Smoky Mountain High School. Following an extensive search, which involved evaluating 26 applicants and conducting multiple candidate interviews, Coach Postell was chosen by the selection committee. This committee comprised SMHS school administrators, district staff, and two seasoned coaches: former Western Carolina University and Cherokee Head Coach, Kent Briggs, and retired Lincolnton High School Head Coach, Scott Cloninger. Both Briggs and Cloninger, being accomplished high school state champion coaches, brought a wealth of football knowledge and experience to the interview committee.
Coach Postell joins Smoky Mountain from East Gaston High School, a member of the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A conference. His impressive record at East Gaston over the last four years stands at 24-18, with playoff appearances in three out of those four years. Prior to his tenure at East Gaston, Coach Postell spent two successful years at Tuscola, making a second-round playoff appearance in his first year. Before assuming head coaching roles, he served as an Offensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coach. Coach Postell is also a qualified physical education teacher, having earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Western Carolina University in 2005.
Smoky Mountain High School is enthusiastic about adding Coach Postell’s experience and expertise to the position of head football coach. Coach Postell will soon be relocating to the Jackson County area to become an integral part of the Sylva and SMHS community. The specific start date is yet to be determined.
