Anadarko Football Coach Kent Jackson Suspended After Arrest
Anadarko Football Coach Kent Jackson Suspended Following Arrest in Alleged Road-Rage Incident
Anadarko High School head football coach and athletic director Kent Jackson has been suspended with pay following his arrest on misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged road-rage incident in Caddo County. The 56-year-old coach appeared in district court Wednesday, October 28, after authorities issued an arrest warrant connected to an October 16 confrontation involving another driver.
Anadarko Public Schools Superintendent Danny Pittman confirmed the suspension Thursday, emphasizing that the decision is precautionary and does not represent a finding of wrongdoing. Jackson faces three misdemeanor charges involving an alleged physical confrontation, threats of violence and leaving the scene of a traffic accident. The case has drawn attention because of Jackson's longstanding role in Anadarko athletics, where he previously led the Warriors to two state football championships.
Anadarko Football Coach Accused of Assault Following Traffic Collision
According to court documents, the incident began around 7:30 p.m. on October 16 along South Country Club Road in Anadarko. Matthew Lewis told investigators he was driving with his 7-year-old son when a pickup truck carrying hay bales struck the driver's side mirror of his vehicle.
Lewis reported that the truck continued driving without stopping. He proceeded to his nearby home, expecting the other driver might return to exchange insurance and identification information. Instead, Lewis alleged that Jackson turned around, followed him and pulled into his driveway.
The confrontation reportedly escalated when Jackson exited his vehicle and began shouting profanities. Lewis told investigators that when he attempted to photograph the truck's license plate and contact police, Jackson became increasingly aggressive.
As detailed in KFOR's reporting on the incident and police investigation, Lewis alleged that Jackson grabbed his jacket and attempted to tackle him. Witness statements included allegations that Jackson threatened to harm Lewis before eventually leaving the property.
Police were contacted following the confrontation, and investigators began gathering statements from those involved. The allegations formed the basis of the misdemeanor charges subsequently filed in Caddo County District Court.
Police Report Alcohol Observations as Jackson Disputes Allegations
Investigators went to Jackson's residence approximately an hour after the reported incident but initially found nobody home. When Jackson later arrived as a passenger in a truck driven by his wife, officers questioned him about the collision and confrontation.
According to the probable cause affidavit, officers reported that Jackson appeared unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Jackson reportedly told investigators he had consumed alcohol after returning home from the incident. Those observations were included in the investigation, although the three reported charges do not include driving under the influence.
Jackson acknowledged that his truck had struck Lewis's side mirror but disputed the account of the physical confrontation. He told police that Lewis approached his truck while yelling and refused to back away when asked.
Jackson maintained that he pushed Lewis only after the other man got too close to him. He also told investigators he left the scene because he wanted to prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
The conflicting accounts will be subject to examination as the criminal case proceeds. The Oklahoma State Courts Network provides public access to state court docket information, including criminal case proceedings and scheduled appearances.
Anadarko Public Schools Suspends Coach as Court Case Moves Forward
Following Jackson's arrest and initial court appearance, Anadarko Public Schools announced that he had been suspended with pay pending a review of personnel-related matters.
Superintendent Danny Pittman stated that the district remains committed to student safety and a fair review of the circumstances. The district declined to release additional personnel information, citing privacy concerns and the integrity of the investigation.
The suspension comes during Jackson's latest tenure leading the Anadarko football program. An Anadarko graduate, Jackson originally coached the Warriors from 2004 through 2018, guiding the school to a Class 3A state championship in 2011 and a Class 4A championship in 2013. He later returned to the head coaching position in 2020 while continuing his involvement in the school's athletic department.
The Oklahoman's coverage of Jackson's suspension and coaching career highlighted his championship history and the district's decision to place him on paid leave while the allegations are reviewed.
Jackson faces misdemeanor counts of assault and battery, threatening to perform an act of violence, and leaving the scene of an accident involving damage. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to return to Caddo County District Court for a conference on January 20, 2027.
The allegations have temporarily sidelined one of Anadarko's most successful football coaches, with his future at the school and the outcome of the criminal charges remaining unresolved. Jackson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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