Suspended football coach will remain as teacher

Pell City head football coach Jake Ganus remains part of the school system's teaching staff despite a recent suspension handed down by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

The AHSAA suspended Ganus on May 20 for violating recruiting regulations. Following the ruling, Pell City principal Jason Deason confirmed that while Ganus will no longer serve as head coach, he is set to work as a teacher at one of the system’s schools for the upcoming academic year.

Program Probation and Eligibility Status

The football program itself is facing significant consequences, having been placed on probation for the 2026 season. Under the current sanctions, the team is barred from participating in postseason play. Furthermore, games played by the team will not be counted toward Class 5A, Region 5 standings, nor will they be considered in any regional tiebreakers.

Regarding player eligibility, the AHSAA release from May 20 noted that any athlete found in violation of the rules would face permanent ineligibility to participate in athletics at Pell City High School. However, those students could remain eligible to compete in the school district where their families reside. As of now, the AHSAA has not issued a final ruling on any individual players.