JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) is facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed that an individual who publicly presented himself as the head football coach at Riverside High School was never actually employed or cleared by the district.
The controversy centers on Jerrand Nesmith, who was featured in media interviews and team-related social media posts as the head coach for the Riverside Generals. Following pointed inquiries from News4JAX, the district confirmed this week that while Nesmith was offered the coaching position earlier this year, he never completed the mandatory hiring and screening process required to work with students.
“Mr. Nesmith was never employed by Duval County Public Schools nor served in an official capacity,” the district stated in a response provided Wednesday.
According to DCPS, school leadership eventually confronted Nesmith regarding his public assertions, noting that his engagement in media and social media posts “inaccurately represented his employment status.” The district maintains that an offer of employment does not constitute authorization to begin work, as candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and human resources vetting before stepping onto school grounds.
Despite these protocols, questions remain regarding how Nesmith was able to represent himself as the team’s leader and why he was granted access to the program prior to his clearance. The district has yet to identify who exactly gave Nesmith permission to be around athletes, nor have they disclosed why he ultimately failed to meet the necessary employment requirements.
In light of the confusion, the district revealed that a current, authorized staff member has been serving as the interim head coach for the team throughout the season. However, officials have not yet released the name of that staff member.
The situation has left many parents of Riverside players frustrated, citing a significant lack of communication. Parents have expressed growing concerns over the instability of the program, particularly regarding the lack of consistent leadership and the potential negative impact on student-athletes hoping to be scouted for college recruitment. Some parents noted that vital player statistics have not been properly updated, further fueling anxieties about the team’s future.
District Five School Board Member Reginald “Reggie” Blount addressed the incident on Wednesday, expressing deep concern regarding the oversight.
“I am deeply disturbed by the recent incidents in our school district,” Blount said in a statement. “I expect the Superintendent and key district personnel to take every necessary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. This includes verifying that all personnel with access to students have been properly vetted and cleared for employment.”
As the investigation continues, both the Riverside athletic director and Nesmith have remained silent, failing to respond to repeated requests for comment.
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