Jacksonville, AL – Originally reported by AnnaKate Freeland with The Chanticleer, Jacksonville State University has terminated its head cheer coach, Brett Langston, following the conclusion of an internal investigation that began in late 2024. Langston had been on administrative leave since November 15, 2024, in accordance with the university’s protocol.
Langston confirmed that he received his termination notice via a formal letter from the university. While uncertain of the exact termination date, he stated he received his final paycheck on April 30, 2025, according to public records. He said he appealed the university’s decision but was denied immediately.
“I got a lawyer,” Langston told The Chanticleer. “Because I felt that I was innocent, I ended up fighting it to the very end, literally until I couldn’t anymore.”
Langston said he was first notified of his administrative leave via a text message while coaching at a volleyball game. He declined to identify the sender but clarified the message did not come from anyone in the athletic department. He also said he has not communicated with the athletic department since being placed on leave.
“I literally did not and have not spoken with anyone from the athletic department,” he said.
Langston stated that he was informed of both the accusations and the evidence reviewed during the investigation, but asserted that the evidence did not align with the claims made against him. He declined to share specific details about the allegations or the evidence.
“Everything that was said about me was lied about, and misconstrued,” Langston said. “I still do things here. I’m still out and about. I take my wife for coffee in the library, talk to her coworkers, this and that… I wouldn’t do that if I was in the wrong.”
Efforts to reach JSU Director of Athletics Greg Seitz and Director of Media Relations Donnie Smith for comment were unsuccessful.
Despite the outcome, Langston said he is ready to move on.
“Anyone can say whatever they want about me. I know my truth,” he said. “Everyone’s been so sketchy and messy and as far as I’m concerned, I’ll be better because of it.”
The university posted the open head cheer coach position on May 16. While the job listing does not include a closing date, it indicates an anticipated start date of June 1.
