Former Heritage High School (Maryville, TN) head football coach and Tennessee Volunteers tight end coach Joe Osovet is breaking his silence after being fired from his position at the Blount County school on Oct. 20.
A report received by the Heritage High School administration stated that Osovet had attempted to influence the team's athletic trainers to circumvent the concussion protocol during a game against Carter on Sept. 25. A week later, Osovet was placed on administrative leave.
According to a release from Blount County schools director Justin Ridge on Nov. 6, an investigation had determined that Osovet had "engaged in unprofessional conduct and insubordination, including actions inconsistent with the district's expectations for protecting
student-health and safety".
Osovet, who had remained fairly quiet throughout the process, finally took to social media to state his side of things on Nov. 6
"I firmly dispute these accusations and the characterization of my actions throughout this investigation," Osovet posted to his Facebook. "In my 36 years of coaching, I have never interfered with a physician's diagnosis or acted against established concussion protocols ― the safety and well-being of my players have always come first.
"My time to speak will come, and when it does, I will address these allegations directly and defend my name with the facts."
Despite the situation, Osovet has been allowed to keep his physical education teaching job in the district, though he had to serve a three-day suspension without pay. He will also be assigned to another position in the school district and placed on a formal improvement plan.
Prior to coaching at Heritage, Osovet had served multiple roles for former Tennessee Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt, including Director of Play Development, Director of Football Programming and tight ends coach. He was not retained by Josh Heupel after Pruitt was fired following the 2021 season.
Osovet coached at Heritage for four seasons, compiling an 18-27 record. The Mountaineers were 2-4 at the time of his dismissal and finished the year 4-6 failing to qualify for the postseason.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ex-Tennessee Vols assistant Joe Osovet breaks silence on allegations behind firing
