Jefferson High's McFerrin retires

Coach T. McFerrin told his Jefferson High School football team and assistant coaches Thursday morning that he was retiring.
"This is it," he said. "I think the time was right."
He called the emotional meeting with players held at the school as being "tough," but added that he was hopeful for a "smooth (coaching) transition."
His announcement comes within a week of his being named Class AA coach of the year after the Dragons shocked the state with its blowout of Calhoun for the state championship on Dec. 15.
Principal Kevin Smith and superintendent John Jackson have been aware of McFerrin's decision for some time, McFerrin said. The coach wanted to wait until the season ended before telling his players.
"I'm glad it ended the way it did," McFerrin said.
He ends his 38-year coaching career with a record of 340 wins, 102 losses and four ties. At JHS, where he has coached four seasons, he earned a 39-9 record with two region championships, three state playoff berths and one state championship.
His overall win record is fourth best in the state.
See next Wednesday's paper for a full story.