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Palisades High School football coach Jonathan Simmons has been suspended by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and will miss the start of the 2026 season.
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Simmons confirmed to The Observer, via text message, that he had been suspended. He said he had no further comment.
The Observer reached out to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Palisades High School officials Friday afternoon, but has not received a reply.
Palisades was scheduled to start the season Friday night in Gastonia against Ashbrook High School.
Simmons has been the Pumas coach since the school opened in 2022. After going 2-9 and 3-7 in his first two seasons, Simmons led Palisades to an 8-4 record in 2024, and again in 2025.
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This season’s team has heightened expectations, with 11 returning starters, including three all-conference players: QB Cole Hough, defensive back Nick Rankin and offensive lineman Ephraim Holmes.
Palisades is ranked No. 8 in The Observer’s Sweet 16 regional football rankings and No. 20 in The Super 25 N.C. statewide poll.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This story was originally published August 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM with the headline “A Charlotte high school football coach has been suspended before start of season.”
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