Jason Jackson will have plenty of support from Tallahassee as Alabama’s interim baseball coach.
Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired Thursday, five days after suspicious wagering was detected on the Crimson Tide’s game at LSU, the school announced Thursday morning.
Jackson, in his sixth season as the Tide’s pitching coach and a former pitcher at Florida High and Tallahassee Community College, will serve as the interim coach, according to the school.
“Jason’s a product of his efforts – he has worked so hard and he’s so loyal,” said Jeff Hogan, a former Florida High coach and Florida State Hall of Famer. “The thing about Jason, he always knew what knew. And he’s always interested in learning what you knew.”
David Ross − the Chicago Cubs manager and former Florida High catcher − believes his best fried can handle the unexpected responsibilities.
“JJ’s personality is perfect to lead men,” Ross said.
“His calm presence and knowledge has always made people around him better. He knows baseball, he knows people, and is always working to better himself in every area.
“He has always worked hard and his calm leadership is the perfect fit for this uncertainty.”
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Jason Jackson’s baseball journey started locally
Shortly after being named Alabama’s coach, Bohannon hired Jackson away from Florida Atlantic. He served as the Owls’ associate head coach/pitching coach, was known as a talented recruiter and for his ability to develop pitchers.
Jackson, 45, who was born in Havana, has 21 years of coaching experience. His first position was at North Florida College in Madison under Steve Givens. Jackson also coached with Florida State coach Link Jarrett when Jarrett was at Mercer.
“His dedication to the game, his dedication to learning the game,” Givens said of Jackson’s strengths. “Jason has a great demeanor with kids and is an unbelievable communicator. His knowledge of the game and pitching is exceptional.”
Jackson, a left-handed pitcher, received a bachelors and Master’s degrees from Florida State after a two year playing career at TCC and Santa Fe Junior College.
News of firing sends shockwaves across the country
Thursday’s news sent shockwaves across college baseball.
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said that the conference also is investigating the situation.
“We are aware of reports related to the suspension of wagering Alabama baseball games,” Sankey said. “We will continue to monitor available information and any regulatory activity.”
The termination comes amidst news earlier in the week that multiple states, starting with Ohio, are ceasing betting on Alabama baseball games due to suspicious activity stemming from Friday night’s loss at No. 1 LSU.
Bohannon has already been removed from the official team roster and website.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne held a team meeting with players Thursday morning to inform them of the change. Byrne, athletics staff and Jackson also held a ZOOM call with parents of players.
Freshman catcher Jaxon West, a former star at Chiles High, has appeared in 19 games with four starts.
Father Kip West believes players are in good spirits. Alabama (30-15 overall, 9-12 SEC) is at home for a three-game conference series against Vanderbilt starting Thursday at 8 p.m.
“I think the program is in great hands with Jason, he’s a class act,” West said.
“Alabama has been extremely responsive with the steps they are taking. And I think the players are really excited to finish the season. It’s a close group. The players love JJ.”