On Oct. 2, Wynton Jackson of the Knox News Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that Heritage head football coach Joe Osovet had been placed on administrative leave.
Now, almost three weeks later, the former Tennessee Volunteers tight end coach is no longer with the team.
Jackson reported on Wednesday, Oct. 21, that Osovet has been relieved of his head coaching duties after five seasons with the program, effective immediately. A statement from Blount County schools noted that his teaching position remains under review due to an ongoing investigation.
"We recognize the importance of stability and continuity for our student-athletes, families and the Heritage High school community," the statement from the district reads. "Our focus remains
on supporting our students and ensuring that the school's football program can move forward in a positive and productive manner. Because this remains an ongoing personnel matter, Blount County Schools will not provide additional details at this time."
Prior to his head coaching role at Heritage, Osovet had served multiple roles at the University of Tennessee under former Volunteers head coach Jeremy Pruitt. Under Pruitt, he was the Director of Player Development in 2018 and Director of Football Programming in 2019.
He became the Volunteers' tight ends coach in 2020 and junior college recruiting coordinator. He was not retained by current Tennessee coach Josh Heupel when Pruitt was fired after the 2020 season.
In his five seasons with the Mountaineers, Osovet compiled a record of 18-27. They were 2-4 this season before he was placed on administrative leave.
Greg Ryan was named the school's interim coach once Osovet was placed on leave. Heritage is 3-5 this season and will play at home against Gibbs (TN) on Oct. 22. The Mountaineers have not made it to the postseason since 2016.
Follow Sports Reporter Joe Spears on X at @joe_spears7 or via email: JSpears@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Tennessee Volunteers assistant relieved of high school head coaching position
