Jason Barnett stepped down as Fluvanna County’s head football coach, resigning from a position he’s held since 2010.
“I want to thank my staff for all their support, fine men, that always supported me,” Barnett said. “I want to thank my family for putting up with me these past five years. My kids are as upset as I am that it’s over. We are a football family, we will always be a football family.”
Fluvanna County is now on the hunt for its third coach since 2009, when Joel Gray stepped down. Barnett took over when he was promoted from an assistant coach role after Rodney Redd vacated the spot following the 2009 season to return to Monticello as an assistant.
Barnett’s tenure got off to a promising start in 2010 with a 4-6 record, but the last four years Fluvanna has gone just 6-34 and couldn’t end a playoff drought that stretches back to 2000.
“We would like to thank Jason for his five years of service as the coach of the Flucos and wish him the best of luck in the future,” said Fluvanna athletic director Scott Morris in an emailed to local media. “Jason (has) worked very hard for Fluvanna Football and we appreciate all of the time, energy and sacrifices he has made over the years.”
Barnett, a well-respected math teacher who was formerly a successful girls basketball coach at Western Albemarle, just couldn’t get the traction he needed to get the program in the win column consistently. It was his first head varsity job after serving in myriad roles at Western including defensive coordinator and head junior varsity coach.
“The players here fought each week for me and the program and for that I am thankful,” Barnett said. “I will miss Friday nights in Fluvanna, it will always be an important place to me. Some great young men have been a part this program and I am proud that I was there for a part of their journey. I look forward to the next chapter in my coaching career.”
Morris indicated that Fluvanna would begin their coaching search immediately.
