Former Barron Collier head football coach Brannon Tidwell was found asleep and smelling of alcohol while parked at a gas pump, leading to his DUI arrest, according to a Collier County Sheriff’s Office report.
The sheriff’s office was called about a suspicious vehicle at a RaceTrac gas station on Airport Pulling Road around 3:28 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1. The responding deputy found Tidwell asleep behind the wheel “with throw up on his facial region, shirt, shorts, and on the floorboard of the vehicle,” according to the report. The officer knocked on the window, awakening Tidwell.
When Tidwell exited the vehicle, the officer “immediately detected the odor of alcohol” and noted he had bloodshot eyes, the report said, adding Tidwell stumbled while walking and kept repeating he lived down the street when questioned. Tidwell said he did not know the time, guessing midnight, and continually took his hands in and out of his pockets.
After declining to take a field sobriety test multiple times, Tidwell was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and refusal of DUI testing. His bond was set at $500 and he was released later on Aug. 1.
Tidwell sent a letter of resignation Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2, to Barron Collier principal Dr. Sean Kinsley and athletic director Michael Sartorio. The letter read: “I will be stepping down as the head football coach for Barron Collier. Right now I need to concentrate on my personal life and my family. Thank you for your trust with the team and for all you do.”
Tidwell’s resignation also came after an FHSAA investigation for recruiting violations resulted in his suspension from coaching games for the entirety of the 2026-27 season and a $5,000 fine.
In the wake of the suspension, Barron Collier said Tidwell would remain the head football coach with head freshman coach Andrew Clawson leading the varsity team on game nights. Clawson will serve as interim head coach following Tidwell’s resignation.
Tidwell’s first appearance in court is scheduled for Aug. 26.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Report: Barron football coach found asleep at gas pump before DUI arrest
Reporting by Ed Reed, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ed Reed, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
