Joe Osovet fired as Heritage football coach for concussion protocol violations

Blount County Schools announced the firing of Joe Osovet as Heritage High School football coach on October 20, 2026. The dismissal follows an investigation that revealed Osovet did not follow established concussion protocols during a game against Carter on September 25, where Heritage won 37-20. Reports indicated that he attempted to influence athletic trainers regarding a concussion case, which led to unprofessional conduct and insubordination findings. Osovet, who had been on administrative leave since October 2, will also face a three-day suspension without pay and will be assigned to a different position outside of Heritage High. The team finished the season with a 4-6 record, failing to qualify for the TSSAA Class 4A playoffs for the sixth consecutive year.

• 12:22 AMYahoo Sports — Blount County Schools release why former Heritage football coach Joe Osovet was fired