Bartram Trail football coach out of action as FHSAA reviews. Here's what we know

Cory Johns will not exercise his role as Bartram Trail High School football coach for at least the Oct. 10 District 3-6A game against Nease, amid a review of a potential violation of Florida High School Athletic Association policy.

The news, announced in an email to parents from athletic director Ben Windle sent on the night of Oct. 8, was first reported by television station WJXT.

"Yesterday, I received information regarding a potential FHSAA violation involving Coach Johns," Windle said in the email obtained by the Times-Union. "I proactively submitted a self-report to the FHSAA to allow them to review the situation independently. I’m hopeful for a prompt resolution."

Windle told parents in the email that he is not able to comment further at this time, and Times-Union messages to the athletic department, to Johns and to the FHSAA seeking further comment have not yet been returned. Neither the school nor FHSAA has announced a timetable for the review, although Windle designated Tyler Thomas as acting head coach during the interim.

The FHSAA has not yet taken any action in this case. The athletic department did not specify which of the association's regulations may have been violated, or which penalties could follow if the FHSAA rules against Johns or the school.

The Cory Johns file

A former Jacksonville University quarterback, Johns is in his third year as head coach at Bartram Trail after arriving from Nature Coast Tech in January 2023 to follow the 23-year tenure of Darrell Sutherland.

Johns has compiled a 14-15 record with one playoff appearance to date at Bartram Trail, which opened the season at 0-4 before winning its two most recent games to revive hopes of FHSAA postseason play.

Johns, who went 40-17 in his six Nature Coast Tech seasons, and Sutherland are the only head coaches at Bartram Trail since the school opened in 2000.

The case is the latest controversy in St. Johns County football this fall. Bartram Trail's Week 8 opponent, Nease, was the subject of a September FHSAA investigation, in which the association assessed a fine against the school and a fine and suspension to defensive coordinator Robert Garth for alleged social media contact with an athlete from another school over that student's transfer destination.

Nease's case is currently under appeal, pending the Section 1 appeals hearing in Tallahassee on Oct. 16.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Bartram Trail football coach Cory Johns off sideline in FHSAA case