Is Washington in or out at Timpson?

Timpson athletic director and head football coach Kenny Washington talks
to his team during a preseason scrimmage against San Augustine.
Washington's professional career with the TISD appears in limbo. (Photo
by John Krueger)

TIMPSON, Tx -- The professional coaching career of Timpson athletic director and head football coach Kenny Washington is uncertain heading into the Thanksgiving holiday after the district posted a notification for his position at the district without telling the him anything about it, according to the coach.

However, in a telephone interview on Wednesday night, Dr. Mid Johnson, TISD Superintendent, said he has had discussions with Washington on the subject.

"Yes, I have discussed the situation with (Washington) and he is very well aware of (the posting)," Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Johnson went on to say that it is district policy not to discuss personnel issues with the public and he could not comment further on the subject.

The position of AD and head football coach was posted on the Texas Association of School Administrators (www.tasanet.org) website last Friday, according to the site, with the contact person being Dr. Johnson.

According to the posting, the district is looking to fill both the AD and head football coaching positions, the dual role that Washington has held at the district since January of 2009.

It states the district is searching for "a highly motivated coach and athletic director who demonstrates the highest character traits, has knowledge of the position, has tremendous work ethic and communicates with and motivates students and the community."

The posting does not indicate a salary and states that there is no deadline for the opening.

Washington is still serving in his position with the district and was working at this week's basketball games as an administrator both Monday and Tuesday. When asked about the opening, he stated, "I don't know anything about it."

Contrary to Dr. Johnson's statement, Washington went on to say that he had not been informed by the administration or the school board of any possible changes in his position and said he didn't know anything more about the plans of the district than anyone else does.

"I know what you know," Washington stated when asked what he's been told by the board. "I'm the athletic director and head football coach and I'm going to continue to do my job until I'm told different. That's all I can do at this point."

Washington just completed his third football season at Timpson and has a combined record of 7-23 (23.3%) during his tenure.

However, the struggles of the football program began long before Washington arrived on the scene. The last winning record for the program came in 2004 under Kevin Hall, when the Bears finished with a 7-3 record. The previous year (2003) the team earned a 9-5 record, advancing four rounds deep in the Class 2A playoffs under then-head coach Ron Callahan.

Beginning in 2005, the Bears' record began to dip, finishing 2-7 under Hall. After Hall's departure, Robert Denton coached the team for one season and it finished 3-7.

The turmoil with the program worsened when Lucky Gamble was hired in the summer of 2007, but he resigned less than two weeks prior to the team beginning fall workouts.

The board quickly hired Norman Cobb, who stayed for two seasons before retiring in late 2008. He posted a two-year mark of 4-15, with his best record coming in his final year when Timpson posted a 3-6 record.

Washington was hired quickly after the new year and began working on campus in late January 2009.

On Wednesday morning Dr. Johnson released a written statement stating, "The Timpson Independent School District is currently accepting applications for the position of Head Athletic Director and Head Football Coach. The district is searching for a new leader of the athletic programs that will demonstrate high character, work ethic, and has a passion for and knowledge of the position."

Timpson ISD board president George Duke said earlier Wednesday that no changes have been made by the board, but he admitted the subject has been discussed.

"We have not officially taken any action in regards to the position of athletic director and head football coach," Duke stated concerning the Board. "We've been talking about the situation. But, as far as the board and what we've done, it's just been in the talking stage."

Duke went on to say that he didn't post the ad on the TASA website, indicating that it might have been done by Dr. Johnson.

Duke also wouldn't indicate whether or not a decision on a change in the position would or would not be made despite the fact that the positions have already been posted.

"I don't want to comment on anything further about what might or might not happen," Duke stated. "Of course there would be some discussion. When a (football) team goes 3-7, 3-7 and 1-9 there's going to be some discussion about it.

"But the board has not made a decision on Kenny (Washington). We've discussed it and apparently there is a problem, not that Kenny is the problem or all of the problem. But when you only win seven ballgames in three years there appears to be something wrong.

"Other than that, I don't want to comment."

So it appears that, at least for now, the district is one with a man at the helm of the athletic department, while beginning the search for a possible replacement.

Timpson's Year-by-Year
Football Record Since 2000