CROSSVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2026) — Cumberland County High School has named Mark Wattenbarger as the next Head Football Coach, effective immediately.

A Cumberland County High School alumnus and former Jets quarterback (1983–85), Wattenbarger returns to lead the program after a distinguished head coaching career across the Upper Cumberland and East Tennessee. He played college football at Tennessee Tech (1988–90) and began his head coaching career at Harriman High School (1995–96) before taking over at Cumberland County High School from 1997–2005, guiding the Jets to playoff appearances in 1998, 2001, and 2002. He later led Stone Memorial High School from 2009–2017, including undefeated regular seasons in 2015 and 2016, and served as head coach at Sequatchie County High School from 2018–2020.

“Coach Wattenbarger is a Jet who has come home,” said Blake Allen, Athletic Director at Cumberland County High School. “He brings experience, credibility, and a deep understanding of this community. We believe he is the right leader to bring back Jet Pride and build a winning culture.”

Wattenbarger said, “My main goal is to grow the program and make it successful while reconnecting the community and alumni with the school and football program.”

Coach Wattenbarger and his wife, Kim, live in Crossville. Mrs. Wattenbarger is a longtime educator and currently serves as principal at CAC. They have been married for 33 years and have two sons: Brady Wattenbarger, who is married to Jesslyn and works as an aerospace engineer, and Majer Wattenbarger, an orthopedic physician assistant. The Wattenbargers are also proud grandparents to Millie (6) and Emersyn (3).

Additional details regarding staff, offseason plans, and upcoming program events will be shared in the coming weeks.