Longtime Detroit Educator and Coach Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Leaves Lasting Legacy

Jenkins mentored countless students who went on to become community leaders, doctors, and educators through his coaching of lesser-known sports like swimming, golf, and soccer.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Sr. was a longtime Detroit educator and coach who spent his career creating opportunities for young people in the city. During his tenure at Detroit's Northern High School from 1969 to 2001, Jenkins led teams to 24 Detroit Public School League championships in sports like swimming, golf, and soccer - sports that were less popular among Black students at the time. Jenkins mentored countless students who went on to become community leaders, doctors, and educators, and he was known for his ability to positively impact the lives of young people through sports and mentorship.

Why it matters

Jenkins' story highlights the important role that educators and coaches can play in providing access and opportunities to underserved youth, particularly in non-traditional sports. His commitment to developing well-rounded students and community leaders through his coaching is an inspiring example of how sports can be leveraged to create lasting change.

The details

During his time at Northern High, Jenkins specialized in coaching sports that were less popular among young people in Detroit, particularly Black students. He led teams to 24 Detroit Public School League championships in swimming, golf, and soccer. Jenkins also mentored students beyond just sports, helping them gain exposure to college opportunities and instilling values of community service. After retiring from teaching in 2001, Jenkins spent a year coaching at East English Village Preparatory Academy.

  • Jenkins arrived at Detroit's Northern High School as a physical education teacher and coach in 1969.
  • Jenkins retired from teaching in 2001, but spent one more year coaching at East English Village Preparatory Academy.
  • Jenkins passed away on January 14 at the age of 86.

The players

Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Sr.

A longtime Detroit educator and coach who spent his career creating opportunities for young people in the city, particularly through coaching lesser-known sports like swimming, golf, and soccer.

Robert Jenkins Jr.

The son of Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Sr. who is an educator himself and hopes to honor his father's legacy by offering a swimming and golf program to students this summer.

Gary Peterson

A community member who was coached by Jenkins at King High School and has gone on to coach young swimmers in Detroit for 47 years, including at Detroit's King High School where he coaches boys and girls swimmers today.

Clyde James

A lifelong friend and teammate of Jenkins on the Tennessee State University swimming team during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when they brought national attention to the school's swimming program.

Clarence Gatliff

The legendary coach who led the early swimming program at the Brewster Recreation Center, which helped develop James, Jenkins, and many other Detroit swimmers that competed nationally.

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What they’re saying

“No matter what the sport was, he had the formula to make a team a champion. But more than that, my father had a profound impact on the minds of every student he touched.”

— Robert Jenkins Jr., Son of Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Sr. (freep.com)

“Mr. Jenkins was a very important person in my life and he is one of the reasons why I have always tried to do my part when it comes to providing opportunities for young people in our city.”

— Gary Peterson, High school swimming coach (freep.com)

“Just as Mr. Jenkins thought it was critical for us to come together and take our kids to DC for that swim meet because it was the biggest showcase for Black swimmers, he wanted all the young people he coached to have good training and exposure.”

— Gary Peterson, High school swimming coach (freep.com)

What’s next

Robert Jenkins Jr. hopes to honor his father's legacy this summer by offering a swimming and golf program to students at King High School, where he is currently teaching personal finance.

The takeaway

Robert 'Fish' Jenkins Sr.'s story demonstrates the profound impact that dedicated educators and coaches can have on the lives of young people, particularly in providing access and opportunities in non-traditional sports. His commitment to mentoring students and developing well-rounded community leaders is an inspiring example of the power of sports to create lasting change.