Pine Bluff High School football Coach Micheal Williams has been “removed from leadership responsibilities” within the athletic program, Superintendent Jennifer Barbaree announced Wednesday.
In a statement, Barbaree said the football program would be “under the direction” of assistant head coach Tyrone Jones effective Wednesday. Pine Bluff (1-4, 1-1 in 5A-Central) will visit Beebe on Friday.
No final decision, however, has been made regarding the football program’s leadership, Barbaree added. She declined to comment beyond the official statement.
“While the District cannot comment on specific personnel matters, we recognize the importance of addressing the academic integrity within our athletic program,” Barbaree said. “The District is aware of concerns related to these issues and is actively investigating the matter in coordination with appropriate agencies.
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“Because this involves personnel and student information, no further comment will be made at this time. However, please know that the Pine Bluff School District takes academic integrity and compliance with state and federal law very seriously, and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards for all our students and programs.”
A message seeking comment was left for Williams. It was not immediately clear if he has been removed from any other duties at the school.
The 2002 PBHS graduate was hired in June 2022 and helped the Zebras return to championship contention after the 2021 team finished 2-7. The 2022 team went 5-4 and finished in a three-way tie for fourth place in the 5A-Central Conference, and the 2023 Zebras went 10-3, clinched the 5A-Central championship and reached the 5A state semifinals. After graduating several Division I signees, the Zebras dropped to 3-7 in 2024.
Williams previously coached in Dallas-area high schools, serving as head coach at W.T. White and assistant at Duncanville and Wylie East.
Jones has been on Pine Bluff’s staff for at least two decades. He joined the staff under Joe Hart, who was the Zebras’ coach from 1998-2006.
This version CORRECTS Pine Bluff’s win-loss record and conference.