Jefferson’s is pleased to announce their Coaches of the Year for each of their Chattanooga metro area locations. Each Jefferson’s location in the Chattanooga metro has recognized a winner:
- Dalton: Preston Poag, North Murray Mountaineers football, coaching for 24 years
- Kimball: Wesley Stone, South Pittsburg High School Pirates football, coaching for 29 years
- Ringgold: Tony McAllister, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe Warriors basketball, coaching for 18 years
- Trenton: Andy Williams, Dade County High School football, coaching for 18 years
Each coach was chosen from a highly competitive pool of nominations submitted by athletes and community members. The contest, launched in honor of National Coach’s Day on Oct. 6, aims to recognize a few of the many deserving coaches in the Chattanooga area. Jefferson’s selected Poag, Stone, McAllister, and Williams as the Coaches of the Year for their passion and emphasis on whole-person development.
“Their nominators were clear that Coach Poag, Stone, McAllister, and Williams are so much more than just coaches,” said Jefferson’s President, Brandon Graham. “It’s hard to cover everything these coaches do for their athletes, from taking them on college tours, supporting their families through hard times, and instilling confidence and sportsmanship, both in and out of sports uniforms. All four of these coaches have been safety nets for their kids for many, many years. We’re honored to recognize them.”
Each coach will receive a $500 gift card to Jefferson’s. Their achievements will also be commemorated with a “Jefferson’s Coach of the Year” plaque for all restaurant patrons to see.
“The years I spent playing [sports] taught me what it means to work hard, stay committed, and be part of something bigger than myself,” Coach Williams said in a statement. “Over time, I realized that what I loved most wasn’t just playing the game—it was helping others learn and grow through it. That’s what led me to coaching. I love getting to share my experiences, guide players through their own journeys, and give back to my community.”
Last year was the launch of the Coach of the Year program. Jefferson’s recognized Elizabeth Lara-Rios (Dalton), Chuck Williams (Kimball), Austin Crisp (Ringgold), and Steve Green (Trenton) as the first-ever Chattanooga Coaches of the Year.Â
The Jefferson’s Coach of the Year award was open to coaches of any sport working with athletes of any age. Coaches could be nominated by athletes, parents and guardians of athletes, school officials, or other community members.