COVINGTON, Ga. — Earlier today, Jason Dukes announced, via Twitter, that he is stepping down as Alcovy’s head football coach. After his original announcement, Dukes told The Covington News that he will be joining Thomas County Central's football program to be its defensive line coach.
“It’s an opportunity to help restore one of the great football programs in Georgia to, I believe, its rightful place at the top of high school football in Georgia,” Dukes said.
Dukes’ departure comes after completing three seasons as the Tigers head coach.
During his stint, Dukes compiled a 9-20 overall record. His last season, though, in 2021, the Tigers made history.
The Tigers captured the Region 3-AAAAAA championship - the first in school history - while also going 5-0 in region play. Receiving a first-round bye in the Class 6A playoffs, Alcovy’s second round matchup with Carrollton High School was its first appearance past the first round in school history, too.
In his original statement, Dukes acknowledged the process it took to get the Tigers’ football program where it currently is.
“I promised our players that if they held themselves and their teammates accountable, embraced the process of transformation and simply committed themselves to “The Cove,” we would find ourselves exactly where we worked so hard to be, ON TOP.” Dukes’ tweet stated.
Now, Dukes’ move might have been made public on Friday, but one particular group was notified first after Dukes made his final decision.
Two days ago, Dukes said that he met with the team and players to let them know that he was leaving for another position. And, even though the meeting came as a shock for some, Dukes said he did get his message across to each and every player.
“Of course, there was some surprise,” Dukes said. “But I just let them know how much I love and care about them and that it was a decision that wasn’t easy for us. But, through discussions and prayer with my family, we felt it was the right thing for us to do as a family."
Dukes will now be joining Justin Rogers’ staff in Thomasville, Georgia, after Rogers was announced as the Yellow Jackets’ new head football coach in December 2021.
But, even though Dukes will no longer be a part of the Tiger program, that doesn’t take away from his excitement about the future of Alcovy football.
“There are some extremely good young players in that program,” Dukes said. “There are guys who understand what dedication and work are all about. And I know that they are going to be successful in the future.”
Athletic Director Thomas Lowe couldn’t be reached for comment. The Covington News will have more on this developing story. Check back here or our Wednesday, March 23 print edition for more.
Below is a screenshot of Dukes' full statement:
