Georgia high school football coach removed after 20 players baptized after practice

TATTNALL COUNTY, Ga. — The head football coach for an east Georgia high school will no longer be on the sidelines.

In a statement shared with Channel 2 Action News, Tattnall County Superintendent Dr. Kristen Waters confirmed that Isaac Ferrell is no longer coaching the Tattnall County High School football team, but is still employed as a teacher.

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The statement said the decision came as a result of an incident on Nov. 3 while the team was traveling. It does not comment on what the incident was.

“The District decided that it would seek a Head football coach that aligned with the best interests of the students of Tattnall County for the 2024-2025 school year,” the statement read.

This comes a few weeks after the team received some criticism when 20 football players were baptized after practice last month.

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In a post on social media at the end of October, Ferrell allowed a local pastor to join them after practice and baptize several players.

“20 young men made the decision to go #ALLIN with Christ!! Show them some support,” the post read.

The Freedom From Religion Foundation claimed the baptisms go against the students’ First Amendment rights in a letter sent to the school district.

Dr. Waters did not connect the decision to remove Ferrell to the baptisms.

The District is continuing its investigation.

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