Keith’s contract not renewed amid controversy
Clinton High School has parted ways with head football Coach Darell Keith.
Keith, who coached the Dragons for the past four seasons, was informed last week that he would no longer have a job at the school.
“Coach Keith’s contract has not been renewed for the 2024-25 school year as a teacher/coach,” said Anderson County Schools spokesman Ryan Sutton.
No official reason was given regarding Keith’s contract status.
In four seasons at the helm for the Dragons, Keith led the team to an 18-24 record, and guided Clinton to a 6-7 record and a playoff appearance in 2023. The Dragons defeated rival Oak Ridge and reached the TSSAA Class 5A State quarterfinals in their first postseason appearance since 2018.
Clinton made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
Keith learned that he would not be retained in a meeting with Anderson County Director of Schools Tim Parrott. He also noted that no reason was given for not renewing his contract.
But in the days following, a grade-changing scandal unfolded at the school, and the football teams wins for the 2023 season were voided by the TSSAA because an academically ineligible player was on the field in all 13 games.
Clinton High and Anderson County Schools are in the midst of an investigation into grade fixing. Teachers, Clay Turpin and Rachel Jones were fired, and Principal Dan Jenkins resigned.
Keith’s name appeared in the “charges of dismissal” document detailing the firing of Jones and Turpin, presented to the Anderson County Board of Education.
Keith said he was disappointed with the decision.
“I love the people of Clinton and I wish the people in the Clinton school system the best as they straighten this out, and I wish the athletic department at Clinton well moving forward,” he Keith. “I love Clinton and I bought a house here.
“These people are my neighbors and the last thing I want to be is a disruption.”