THOMASVILLE – Thomas County Central will have a new football coach when the Yellow Jackets move into Class 6A next year.

Athletic Director Phillip Duplantis confirmed that Ashley Henderson will not return as head coach for a fifth season.

A statement announcing the decision read, “While we greatly appreciate the time that coach Ashley Henderson has spent at Thomas County Central High School and his dedication to our football program and student athletes, the school board has approved the recommendation that coach Henderson be transferred from the position of head football coach to a teaching position in the school system. The position of head football coach at Thomas County Central High School is now vacant, and it is our intent to to move forward with the search for a new head football coach immediately and to secure new leadership for our football program as soon as practical.”

Henderson led the Yellow Jackets to a 19-22 record in four seasons in Class 4A. He guided the Yellow Jackets to two playoff appearances, including this year when Central lost 59-0 to Benedictine in the first round.

Central will move up to Region 1-AAAAAA next season.