The Lee County School District placed Mariner High School head football coach Tyran Jones on administrative leave while it investigates a reported hazing incident during a recent team lock-in at the school.
On Aug. 2, 2026, Lee School Board chair Armor Persons confirmed the district’s action on social media in a response to a post about the incident, which alleged students were left unsupervised during the lock-in.
“As Chair of the Lee County School Board, I have been briefed that the district immediately initiated an investigation and placed the coach on administrative leave while that investigation is underway,” Persons wrote. “That is the appropriate first step to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure due process.
“I will not speculate or prejudge anyone before the investigation is complete. However, I can assure you that if district policies were violated or students were placed at risk, I fully expect appropriate accountability and corrective action.”
Jones, who is in his second season as Mariner’s coach, did not immediately return a voicemail seeking comment on Aug. 2. The 32-year-old led the Tritons to a 3-7 record in 2025. He spent the previous two seasons as the head coach at Island Coast, with his teams finishing a combined 8-12.
Jones did not attend the Mariner football team’s scheduled media session at the Lee County School District on July 28 due to what was explained as a scheduling conflict.
Mariner athletic director Josh Gompper directed comment to the school district.
Contact Sports Reporter Dan DeLuca at ddeluca@usatodayco.com. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Mariner football coach Tyran Jones on leave after alleged hazing incident
Reporting by Dan DeLuca, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan DeLuca, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
