Jay Graham, a former standout running back for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, has been appointed as the new head football coach at Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee. This announcement, made on March 4, 2025, marks a significant transition in Graham’s extensive football career, bringing his wealth of experience to the high school level.
Graham’s football journey began at the University of Tennessee, where he played from 1993 to 1996. During his collegiate career, he amassed 2,609 rushing yards, ranking sixth on the Vols’ all-time rushing list, and scored 25 touchdowns. His standout season came in 1995 when he rushed for 1,438 yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history, including a remarkable 211-yard game against Vanderbilt.
Following his success at Tennessee, Graham entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 1997. He played six seasons in the league, contributing to teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers. His professional career also included a stint with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.
Transitioning to coaching, Graham embarked on a nearly two-decade-long career in collegiate football. He served as a running backs coach and special teams coordinator at various institutions, including Chattanooga, UT Martin, Miami (Ohio), South Carolina, and Texas A&M. Notably, he was part of the Florida State coaching staff that secured the 2013 BCS National Championship, working alongside head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Graham’s coaching tenure at Florida State was marked by the development of several future NFL running backs, such as Dalvin Cook and Devonta Freeman. Cook, under Graham’s mentorship, became a unanimous first-team All-American in 2016 and set multiple school records, including career rushing yards. Freeman also flourished, eventually earning Pro Bowl selections in the NFL.
In 2012 and again from 2020 to 2022, Graham returned to his alma mater, the University of Tennessee, to coach running backs. His influence was instrumental in enhancing the Volunteers’ ground game during these periods, reflecting his deep understanding of the sport and commitment to player development.
Before accepting the head coaching position at Centennial High School, Graham briefly stepped away from college football in 2022. He took on the role of middle school coach at Concord Christian in Farragut, Tennessee, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the game at the grassroots level.
At Centennial, Graham succeeds Josh Stewart, who led the Cougars to a 17-8 record over two seasons, including consecutive playoff appearances, before resigning to become the offensive coordinator at Pope John Paul II High School. Graham’s appointment is met with enthusiasm, as his extensive experience is expected to build upon the program’s recent successes.
Centennial High School’s principal, Kevin Dyson, expressed excitement about Graham’s arrival, stating that Graham brings not only a wealth of knowledge and experience but also a reputation as one of the nation’s top mentors and developers of young men. This aligns with the school’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Graham’s return to Tennessee high school football signifies a full-circle moment in his career, as he now has the opportunity to impact the next generation of players in his home state. His leadership at Centennial is anticipated to inspire student-athletes and elevate the program’s stature in Tennessee high school football.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Graham’s legacy as a player and coach serves as a testament to his enduring passion for football. His journey reflects a deep commitment to the sport and the development of young athletes, promising a bright future for Centennial High School’s football program under his guidance.