Jerry Bennett, a respected football coach best known for his tenure with the Jefferson Bulldogs, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Some reports claimed that he battled a prolonged illness, but the exact cause of his passing has not been publicly disclosed.
Gerald Mack Bennett, aka Jerry, was a legendary football coach and mentor who led the team to a 3A Championship victory in 1986 and became the all-time leader in coaching wins at Jefferson.
His coaching career spanned decades, including time at Linden-Kildare and as an assistant at SMU.
Jerry Bennett Led Jefferson High School To Over 100 Victories!
Jerry Bennett, who retired in 2013, dedicated 21 seasons to Jefferson across two tenures.
Over his career, he amassed a 154-108-5 record, with Jefferson accounting for 134 of those wins.
Before becoming head coach, Bennett was an assistant coach at Marshall and Queen City.
In his first season leading the Bulldogs, he guided them to a 4-5-1 record.
By 1986, his team had achieved the school’s only football state championship, going undefeated and outscoring opponents 485-160 in their playoff run.
Under Bennett’s leadership, Jefferson achieved double-digit win seasons in 1993 (10-2) and 1994 (13-1).
From 2008 to 2010, he stepped away from Jefferson to coach Linden-Kildare. During his time there, he led the Tigers to records of 2-8, 8-5, and 10-3.
Our hearts are heavy today…the Jefferson family lost a true legend in Coach Jerry Bennett. Thank you, Coach for your impact and influence on our community! We love you! #RIP @CoachTaylor53 pic.twitter.com/CENryWLU71
— Jefferson Bulldog Athletics (@BayouBullies) April 29, 2025
However, he returned to Jefferson for the 2011 and 2012 seasons and finished with a combined 12-9 before retiring in 2013.
Additionally, Bennett spent six and a half seasons as an assistant coach at SMU, where his brother, Phil Bennett, was head coach.
Bennett Is Survived By His Wife, Tammy, And Their Children!
Regarding his marital life, Jerry met his wife Tammy Lynn Moore when he came to Jefferson in 1982. They tied the knot on April 16, 1983, and were married for 42 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Glen Hayes, and his mother-in-law, Pat Woods Moore.
The community is coming together to honor his legacy. His passing has left a void in his family and the Jefferson community he served for decades.
I'm sad to say Jerry Bennett passed away today and believe me, he fought the good fight just like his players played for him. Quite the character, you had to be in that Bennett family. Jerry accidentally gave me the note his brother Phil was joining Art Briles staff at Baylor.
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) April 29, 2025
One of Bennett’s friends’ son remembered him as a kind person and said:
Sad news. I remember being a 22-year old coach at a clinic and Coach Bennett recognizing I was Raymond’s son & treating me like I mattered. He made me feel special & that’s why he was special.
Moreover, Bennett’s longtime friend Ned Fratangelo paid tribute to Bennett’s legacy via his Facebook Post and wrote:
He will be deeply missed in our community,Coach Bennett wasn’t just a football coach—he was a mentor to hundreds of Bulldog athletes. I’ve seen him personally support his players, whether it was paying their bills, providing food, or ensuring they had clothes. He wasn’t just their coach; he was their lifelong friend. His impact was immeasurable. Today, Jefferson ISD lost a true legend. My thoughts are with Tammy, Ashley, Jim, Phil, and the Bennett family.
In addition, Jefferson’s football team paid tribute to the coach playing on “Jerry Bennett Field” at W.F. Lockett Stadium, which is named after him.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jerry Bennett’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jerry was born in Marshall, Texas, on July 14, 1950, to Jim Wilson and Finna Faye (McGee) Bennett.
- He graduated from Marshall High School in 1968 and attended Kilgore Junior College.
