Columbia Academy Fires Athletic Director Pernell Knox

School cites need for program evolution as reason for departure of respected longtime leader.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Columbia Academy has fired Athletic Director Pernell Knox after nearly a decade leading the school's athletic programs. Knox, a 1994 graduate of the school, was informed of the decision on February 4th and will remain in his role through the end of the school year at his request. The school's president cited the need for the program to continue evolving as the reason behind the difficult decision, while praising Knox's dedicated service and the success the athletics department saw under his leadership.

Why it matters

Knox was a highly respected figure who oversaw a period of significant success for Columbia Academy's athletic programs, including 11 state titles and the school's first-ever appearance in the Division II-A BlueCross Bowl. His departure represents a major transition for the school's sports teams and raises questions about the future direction of the athletics department.

The details

Knox had served as Columbia Academy's Athletic Director since 2016 after previously working as the head athletic trainer at his alma mater, Freed-Hardeman University. During his tenure, the school's teams won 11 TSSAA state titles and reached the Division II-A BlueCross Bowl for the first time in program history in 2024. Knox also served as an assistant baseball coach, helping the team win back-to-back state titles. As a student-athlete at Columbia Academy, Knox was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.

  • Knox was informed of the school's decision to fire him on February 4, 2026.
  • Knox will remain in his role as Athletic Director through the end of the 2025-2026 school year at his request.

The players

Pernell Knox

The former Athletic Director of Columbia Academy, who was fired after nearly a decade in the role. Knox is a 1994 graduate of Columbia Academy and was previously inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame as a student-athlete.

James A. Thomas

The president of Columbia Academy, who announced the school's decision to fire Athletic Director Pernell Knox.

Columbia Academy

The private Christian school in Columbia, Tennessee that has fired its longtime Athletic Director Pernell Knox.

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What they’re saying

“I am deeply grateful for Pernell's dedicated service to our students and coaches. He is highly respected and has made a meaningful impact on our program and athletes. Our athletics saw a lot of good days and big wins under his leadership.”

— James A. Thomas, President, Columbia Academy (columbiadailyherald.com)

“While this decision was difficult, I believe this transition is a necessary step as our program continues to evolve. We know that Pernell will excel in his next chapter and wish him nothing but the best.”

— James A. Thomas, President, Columbia Academy (columbiadailyherald.com)

What’s next

The school will begin the process of searching for a new Athletic Director to lead the program going forward.

The takeaway

The departure of Pernell Knox, a respected and successful Athletic Director, represents a significant transition for Columbia Academy's athletics department. While the school cited the need for the program to continue evolving, Knox's tenure saw tremendous success, including multiple state titles and the school's first-ever appearance in a state championship game. The search for his replacement will be closely watched as the community looks to maintain the strong athletic tradition at Columbia Academy.