Mountain Heritage High School has announced that Jered Pope will be the new head coach of the Cougar football program. Pope has spent sixteen seasons as an assistant coach at Mtn. Heritage (2008-2024). During his time on staff, the Cougars have posted a record of 154-60, including 8 conference championships, 2 Western Regional Championships, and 2 Western Regional Runner-Ups.
"Yancey County Schools and I are thrilled that Coach Pope has agreed to lead our football program," said Principal Daron Williams. "He is a passionate coach who has experienced high levels of success. Coach Pope understands the importance of building strong relationships with his players, building strong athletes in the weight room, and building a strong community full of youth that are excited about one day becoming future Cougars.”
Prior to his teaching and coaching career, Coach Pope played football at Mars Hill University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in physical education. He resides in Mars Hill with his wife, Erica and two children, Addie and Walker.
Coach Pope is very thankful for the opportunity. “I am extremely humbled and honored for the opportunity to be the head coach at Mountain Heritage. Yancey County is a special place and over the past sixteen years has become home to my family and me. I want to thank Coach Robinson for all he has done for me during this past sixteen years. I am going to do everything I can to build on the tradition of excellence he has built here over his career. Also I want to thank the administration at Mountain Heritage and Yancey County Schools for trusting in me with this opportunity.”
