ANNISTON, Ala. — Anniston High School first-year head football coach Damien Dorsey has been placed on administrative leave just days after the Bulldogs opened their season with a loss to Geraldine.
Dorsey confirmed Wednesday that he had been placed on administrative leave but declined to comment further.
Anniston athletics director Chris Rowe is coaching the football team as it prepares for Friday’s game against Minor.
Dorsey’s status comes amid social media reports that he had been fired. When contacted by text for clarification, Dorsey responded that he was on “admin leave.”
Anniston opened the 2026 season with a 54-22 loss at Geraldine. The Bulldogs also lost quarterback Jamorris Young to a knee injury on the first offensive snap of the game. Young did not return to action.
The Bulldogs entered the season following a Class 4A state runner-up finish in 2025 under former head coach Rico Jackson, who is now the head coach at Minor.
Dorsey’s hiring was approved by the Anniston City Board of Education in April. An Anniston graduate and former Bulldogs assistant coach, Dorsey was selected for the head coaching position after previously seeking the job twice.
Anniston City Schools Superintendent Dr. D. Ray Hill and Anniston High School Principal Phillip Posey had not responded to requests for additional information at the time of publication.
Additional information regarding Dorsey’s administrative leave, including its duration or the circumstances surrounding it, has not been released.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
