Former Brave hired as football offensive coordinator at HCHS

(Franklin, GA) — On March 23, 2021, the Heard County Board of Education hired Heard County High School alum and former football coach Jake Yates as Heard County Elementary School’s physical education teacher and offensive coordinator for the varsity football team.

Yates was selected for the school board’s approval by head football coach Shane Lasseter and athletic director Trent Bianco.

“Jake brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm that allows him to relate and create great relationships with the kids,” stated Lasseter. “He has a super bright mind and is constantly learning.”

Yates, a 2009 graduate of Heard County High School, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from the University of West Georgia in 2013.

Upon graduation, Yates was hired as a physical education teacher and receivers coach at Haralson County High School.

The next year, Yates was hired in the same capacity at Mount Zion High School, before finally coming to Heard County in 2016.

Joining the program that he played for was very special to Yates. “Coming home meant everything to me,” exclaimed Yates. “Coaching for the same program that I played for was priceless.”

During his first tenure as a football coach in Heard County, Yates served as the receivers coach, the same position he had held at Haralson County and Mount Zion.

Pictured above with Coach Yates is his wife, Kathy and his son, Hudson. (Photo: HCHS)

In 2018, Yates left the Heard County program to serve as offensive coordinator for Bowdon high School.

“I left Heard County for the last three years to pursue a promotion from receivers coach to offensive coordinator,” claims Yates. “Bowdon gave me that opportunity, but I could not pass up this opportunity to return home.”

Beyond being an alum of Heard County High School, Yates also has close friends that are already coaches within the Heard County football program.

“There are three current coaches (Kyle Yates, Corey Paul Shelnutt, and Dustin Lane) on the Heard County staff who were in my wedding,” said Yates. “This staff is like family to me.”

For one member of the coaching staff the term family is literal, with offensive line coach Kyle Yates being Yates’ older brother.

“There aren’t many people who get to work at what they love with their family. Working closely with Kyle is something I am really looking forward to.”

Lasseter believes Yates will bring a lot to the Heard County High School football program.

“Jake has a great work ethic and is one of those guys that will do whatever it takes to be successful,” said Lasseter. “He loves Heard County and we are excited to have him back coaching with us.”

Yates agrees with Lasseter’s sentiments.

“I am really just excited to be back home,” stated Yates. “This is definitely my dream job, and I hope to continue the success that the football program has had in Heard County for almost two decades.”