Zoë Lam/Jefferson Jimplecute
On Friday nights in Jefferson, the bright lights of Bulldog Stadium always seemed to shine a little brighter when Jerry Bennett was on the sideline. Two seasons ago, the field was renamed in his honor. Today, it stands as a tribute to a man whose legacy stretches far beyond the hash marks.
Coach Gerald “Jerry” Bennett, the legendary former head coach of the Jefferson Bulldogs, passed away on April 28, surrounded by loved ones. He was 74.
Bennett, a native of Marshall and a 1968 graduate of Marshall High School, spent more than three decades shaping young men both on and off the field. His coaching career began in East Texas and included stints in Queen City, Linden-Kildare, and a run at SMU alongside his brother, Phil. But it was in Jefferson that Coach Bennett made history and where he ultimately came home.
In 1986, his Bulldogs delivered an undefeated 16-0 season, clinching the 3A State Championship. The title remains the only football state championship in school history.
“Coach Bennett is Jefferson Bulldog Football,” said Antwain Jimmerson, who played for Bennett on that storied ‘86 team and later returned to serve as Jefferson ISD Athletic Director.
“He was very instrumental in my career path. He didn’t just coach us. He stayed in touch, he cared. Jerry Bennett will always be my coach.”
Over his long career, Bennett earned statewide honors, including Texas Sportswriters Association High School Coach of the Year and a spot in the Northeast Texas Coaches Association Hall of Fame. But in Jefferson, his impact went deeper than wins and trophies.
“He was more than a football coach,” said Ned Frantangelo, former Jefferson mayor and longtime KJTX radio personality who worked with Bennett for 15 years.
“I’ve seen him pay water bills, buy groceries, cover rent for players. He was a mentor. A friend. A man who gave all he had to the kids of this town.”
Known for his passion and competitive edge, Bennett’s presence was felt across generations. His return to Jefferson in 2011 for one final coaching run felt like a homecoming for both coach and the community. While he officially retired in 2013, his influence never left the locker room or the town.
When Jimmerson returned to lead Jefferson athletics, Bennett and his wife Tammy presented him with a single flower.
“I still have it,” Jimmerson said.
Off the field, Bennett was deeply involved in church and community, serving at First Baptist Church of Jefferson in multiple roles, including Sunday School teacher and committee chair. In 1987, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
“Today, JISD lost a legend,” Frantangelo said. “To those who truly knew him, he will never be forgotten.”
Coach Bennett is survived by his wife of 42 years, Tammy, and their daughter Ashley, along with siblings, nieces, nephews, and countless players who considered him family. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 3, at Central Baptist Church in Marshall, with interment at Oakwood Cemetery in Jefferson.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Jefferson or the Jefferson Athletic Booster Club. Fitting causes for a man who gave his life to faith, football, and his beloved Dawgs.