Pataula Charter Academy is proud to announce the hiring of Jackie Duke as the school’s new Varsity Head Football Coach for the 2026 season.
Coach Duke brings more than 32 years of combined experience as a public school educator and coach. Throughout his career, he has coached strength and conditioning, football, baseball, and soccer while serving students and athletes in the Seminole County, Early County, Terrell County, Pelham City, and Lee County school systems.
Most recently, Coach Duke has served as a strength and conditioning coach at Pataula Charter Academy for the past two years, where he has already built strong relationships with students and athletes across campus.
“We are incredibly excited to announce that Jackie Duke is our new Varsity Head Football Coach,” said Athletic Director Linda Miller. “Coach Duke has been a part of PCA’s Weight Training program for the past two years. We look forward to the leadership, passion, and dedication he will bring to our program, both on and off the field. We are confident that great things are ahead for our players, school, and community under his guidance.”
Principal Christina Boyd said Coach Duke’s commitment to mentorship and student development makes him a strong fit for the program.
“Coach Duke brings a tremendous amount of experience and heart to our athletic department,” Boyd said. “He understands the importance of building character, discipline, and leadership in student-athletes, and we are excited for the future of Panther football under his leadership.”
In addition to his school athletics experience, Coach Duke has found success as the head coach of Atlanta Premier Elite, where his fastpitch softball teams have consistently competed against top-level national talent over the past decade.
Coach Duke said he is honored for the opportunity to lead the Panthers football program.
“I am excited to be named as the Pataula Charter Academy Head Football Coach for the 2026 season,” Duke said. “As a lifelong resident of Calhoun County, I hope to bring stability to the program and make a difference in the lives of the student-athletes at PCA.”
Coach Duke’s coaching philosophy emphasizes building a winning culture, fostering teamwork, instilling a strong work ethic, and developing a genuine love for the game. Outside of athletics, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kelli, and supporting their children, Rooks and Makinley, in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.