St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School announces the upcoming retirement of Head Football Coach Dwight Jones, who is stepping down after a 44-year-long remarkable coaching career. Jones, who has led the Vikings Football program since 2019, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s success both on and off the field.

Under Jones’ leadership, the Vikings achieved the school’s first-ever state football championship in 2022, defeating Stratford Academy 10-0 in the GIAA Class 4A championship game. That same year marked Coach Jones’ 150th career win. Before coaching at St. Anne-Pacelli, Jones served as a head coach at Harris County, Jones County, McIntosh, Northside and Hardaway in Georgia and Russell County and Auburn in Alabama. Known for his commitment to developing student-athletes with strong character and discipline, Jones has left an indelible mark on the Chattahoochee Valley community.

“Coach Jones has been a tremendous asset to our school. His influence extended far beyond the football field, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes and fostering a culture of discipline, perseverance and faith,” said Athletic Director Calvin Thomas. “While we are sad to see him go, we are deeply grateful for his dedication and wish him the very best in retirement.”

The search for a new head coach for the Vikings Football program is now underway. St. Anne-Pacelli is committed to finding a leader who will continue to build on the program’s strong foundation and uphold the school’s core values of faith, honesty, loyalty and respect.

Reflecting on his career, Jones shared, “Coaching has been my life’s calling and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to do what I love for over 40 years. The relationships I’ve built with players, families, and colleagues have been a blessing, and I’m excited to watch the Vikings continue to thrive.” 

Jones will continue to teach Physical Education to St. Anne-Pacelli high school students through the end of the 2024-2025 school year. 

More information about the Head Football Coach position at St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School will be posted online at BeAViking.com/about/employment.

Located in Columbus, Ga., St. Anne-Pacelli is a college preparatory, age 1 through 12th grade, private school dedicated to giving children opportunities to learn in a safe, supportive environment where they can develop relationships with others and with God.