BREAKING: Tanner Jacobson, the head coach who transformed the Tyler Junior College (TJC) football team into a national contender, has resigned to accept a coordinator position at an FCS school. Jacobson confirmed the news to the Tyler Morning Telegraph on Wednesday and anticipates an official announcement regarding his new role on Monday.
Jacobson’s tenure at TJC was marked by remarkable success, leading the Apaches to a stunning 11-1 record in 2025—their best in 65 years. Under his leadership, the team claimed back-to-back Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) regular season titles and made it to the NJCAA national semifinals. His overall record at TJC stands at 28-13.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Jacobson expressed gratitude to TJC and the Rose City for the support shown to him and his family. “Tyler Junior College will always be a part of who I am,” he stated, reflecting on his journey since arriving as a first-time head coach at the age of 27.
Prior to his success at TJC, Jacobson was a standout player at Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, where he led his team to a historic 16-0 state championship in 2011. His accolades include being named the District 4-5A Defensive Most Valuable Player and earning multiple All-State honors. Following high school, he played at Texas Tech University, appearing in 13 games, and later at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he participated in 37 games over three seasons.
After graduating, Jacobson began his coaching career at BYU, contributing to two bowl appearances before joining Snow College in Utah, where he coached defensive backs and served as Special Teams Coordinator. His time at Snow was noteworthy, as he guided the Badgers to the NJCAA National Championship game and was pivotal in developing talent, including the 2021 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year.
As Jacobson prepares for this next chapter, TJC will look to fill the significant void left by his departure. His impact on the program is undeniable, not only in terms of wins but also in academic achievement, as the Apaches produced the highest GPA in program history during his tenure.
Stay tuned for updates on Jacobson’s new position and TJC’s search for a new head coach. The football community is watching closely as these developments unfold.
