South Side High School Appoints Alumnus Richard Dylan Evans as Head Football Coach

The school district announced on June 18 that Richard Dylan Evans has been named the new TSSAA football coach for Jackson South Side.

A 2001 graduate of South Side, Evans was a standout All-West Tennessee linebacker during the Hawks’ successful 2000 campaign, where the team finished 12-2 and advanced to the state semifinals.

Evans brings a variety of coaching experience to the position, having spent two seasons as the head coach at West Bemis Middle School. Additionally, he has previously served as a South Side assistant football coach, as well as the coach for the girls’ soccer and flag football programs.

“Being the head football coach at South Side is the dream of a lot of former Hawks. But it’s a dream I never gave up on,” Evans said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the chance to step into this role, rejoin this team, and help our players grow on and off the field.”

Following the TSSAA dead period, high school football workouts in Tennessee are scheduled to resume on July 6. South Side will kick off its 2026 season on August 21 with a home game against Milan.

Divisional Superintendent Dr. Vivian Williams emphasized the importance of hiring a former student to lead the program. “When you hire a South Side graduate to lead South Side football, you’re strengthening a legacy,” Williams stated. “Coach Evans understands the culture, the expectations, and the pride that define the South Jackson community. That connection energizes students and alumni in a way that can’t be duplicated. Basketball season is always electric in South Jackson, and we believe Coach Evans can bring a level of excitement and success to the football program.”

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