Goldsboro's Jackson resigns as head football coach

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 18, 2007 2:14 AM

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Goldsboro High principal Patricia Burden officially announced Friday morning that Maurice Jackson has resigned as head football coach.

Jackson steps down after a four-year tenure at the Class 2-A Eastern Plains Conference school. He guided the Cougars to a winning season in 2003, but the program managed just five victories over the next three years combined.

The Shelby native and former Eastern Wayne defensive coordinator told the players of his decision earlier this week.

"It's probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and hopefully I won't ever have to do it again," said Jackson. "When you get your first coaching job, you foolishly think you're going to be there for a long period of time.

"I needed to resign in order to be a better father, and spend time with my kids."

Jackson has a 5-year-old daughter, Maurissa, and 3-year-old son, Myles.

Burden said a search for Jackson's successor would begin immediately and plans to advertise the opening statewide through the N.C. High School Athletic Association website. Burden, along with athletics director Randy Jordan, plans to organize a committee to interview potential candidates.

Jordan will chair the committee. He and Burden are asking for parents, representatives from the booster club and and a member of the faculty to assist.

"It will not be a large committee, but we will have fair representation across the board with an emphasis on the football program," said Burden. "I would prefer to have a football coach who has experience coaching on the high school level."

Jackson said whoever is hired as his replacement is inheriting a solid foundation. Although several skill position players graduate, the new coach will be blessed with a junior varsity team that posted a 9-1 record and finished runner-up to Tarboro in the EPC.

"The foundation is set and the next person in line should experience success," said Jackson. "Without struggle there is no progress and we struggled in some areas, but I think we progressed, also."

Goldsboro finished 0-11 this season and forfeited its lone win for using an ineligible player. After an eastern semifinal playoff appearance in Jackson's first season, the Cougars mulled through 1-10, 4-8 and 0-11 campaigns. Included is a 1-9 ledger against EPC opposition and a 2-2 postseason mark.

Burden and Jordan each thanked Jackson for his dedication to the program and student-athletes.

"I appreciate the services that coach Jackson has provided, and wish him well in whatever new endeavor he may take in the future," said Burden.