Football
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
James Lawson High School Announces Departure of Head Football Coach Brian Lilly
James Lawson High School Announces Departure of Head Football Coach Brian Lilly
Nashville, TN — James Lawson High School has announced that Head Football Coach Brian Lilly will be departing the Lightning football program as he returns to Texas, his home state, where he still has family.
Coach Lilly holds a historic place in the school’s athletic history as the first head football coach at James Lawson High School. Over the past three years, he played a vital role in building the program from its inception, helping establish the culture, expectations, and identity of Lawson Football during its foundational years.
During his tenure, Coach Lilly was recognized for his leadership, dedication to student-athletes, and commitment to developing young men both on and off the field. His work helped set the tone for the program and provided a strong foundation for future growth and success.
Coach Brian Lilly shared his appreciation…..
“I want to sincerely thank Dr. Stephen Sheaffer, Coach Pete Froedden, Mr. Mark North, our players, and their families for placing their trust in a first-time head coach to lead the process of building the Lawson football program from the ground up. While it is bittersweet to close this chapter in Tennessee, I am excited for the next season of life as we move closer to family in Texas. Wherever the Lord leads, a part of my heart will always remain in Tennessee with the Lawson Lightning. I will forever be grateful for what we built together.”
James Lawson Athletics Director Pete Froedden expressed his appreciation for Coach Lilly’s contributions to the school and its athletic department….
“Coach Lilly built a strong foundation for our program over the past three years, and his impact will be felt for years to come. While he will certainly be missed, we are grateful for his service to James Lawson High School and wish him and his family the very best as he returns home to Texas.”
Executive Principal, Dr. Stephen Sheaffer concluded….
‘We are thankful for Brian’s leadership in lifting our team to a state championship playoff program. He will be an outstanding leader of young men for many years to come.”
James Lawson High School will begin the search for Coach Lilly’s successor immediately as the school looks to build upon the solid groundwork established during his tenure.
Nashville, TN — James Lawson High School has announced that Head Football Coach Brian Lilly will be departing the Lightning football program as he returns to Texas, his home state, where he still has family.
Coach Lilly holds a historic place in the school’s athletic history as the first head football coach at James Lawson High School. Over the past three years, he played a vital role in building the program from its inception, helping establish the culture, expectations, and identity of Lawson Football during its foundational years.
During his tenure, Coach Lilly was recognized for his leadership, dedication to student-athletes, and commitment to developing young men both on and off the field. His work helped set the tone for the program and provided a strong foundation for future growth and success.
Coach Brian Lilly shared his appreciation…..
“I want to sincerely thank Dr. Stephen Sheaffer, Coach Pete Froedden, Mr. Mark North, our players, and their families for placing their trust in a first-time head coach to lead the process of building the Lawson football program from the ground up. While it is bittersweet to close this chapter in Tennessee, I am excited for the next season of life as we move closer to family in Texas. Wherever the Lord leads, a part of my heart will always remain in Tennessee with the Lawson Lightning. I will forever be grateful for what we built together.”
James Lawson Athletics Director Pete Froedden expressed his appreciation for Coach Lilly’s contributions to the school and its athletic department….
“Coach Lilly built a strong foundation for our program over the past three years, and his impact will be felt for years to come. While he will certainly be missed, we are grateful for his service to James Lawson High School and wish him and his family the very best as he returns home to Texas.”
Executive Principal, Dr. Stephen Sheaffer concluded….
‘We are thankful for Brian’s leadership in lifting our team to a state championship playoff program. He will be an outstanding leader of young men for many years to come.”
James Lawson High School will begin the search for Coach Lilly’s successor immediately as the school looks to build upon the solid groundwork established during his tenure.
