Barron Collier football coach Brannon Tidwell resigns after DUI arrest
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Barron Collier head football coach Brannon Tidwell is stepping down, according to Collier County Public Schools.
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The second-year head coach of the Cougars was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 1 for suspicion of driving under the influence and refusal of DUI testing.
"I am writing to provide an update regarding our football program," Barron Collier Principal Sean Kinsey wrote in a message to student-athletes, families and supporters on Sunday. "Earlier today, Coach Brannon Tidwell submitted his resignation as head football coach. We appreciate Coach Tidwell's service to Barron Collier High School and wish him well moving forward."
Barron Collier selected head freshman coach Andrew Clawson to serve as interim head coach.
"Coach Clawson has been a valued member of our football program for many years, serving as head freshman coach and as a member of the varsity coaching staff," Kinsey wrote. "He is well known to our student-athletes and families and has played an important role in the development of our program."
Tidwell's resignation comes after an FHSAA investigation for recruiting violations resulted in his suspension from coaching games for the entirety of the 2026-27 season.
In the wake of the suspension, Barron Collier said Tidwell would remain the head football coach.
On July 31, Tidwell spoke with the Naples Daily News regarding his punishment for the recruiting violations involving ex-Lely High football players. In addition to the suspension, the FHSAA fined him $5,000 after the school self-reported Tidwell’s improper contact.
“The kids reached out, and I responded which is against the rules,” Tidwell said. “I told the parents and the kids this: adversity is going to hit us all at some point in life and it’s how you respond to adversity. And we’re going to handle it the right way.”
“It’s a good learning experience for everybody in the program, and I’ve been very transparent with our parents and our kids about it because I want them to learn from every situation we have.”
Tidwell’s suspension for the recruiting violations was set to expire on June 3, 2027. Barron Collier's initial plan was for Tidwell to be involved in all facets of the program except for coaching in any games, which was to be handled by Clawson.
Tidwell said on July 31 he was grateful for the support Barron Collier’s administration showed him.
“For them to have my back the way that they did was amazing,” he said. “No one’s left our program. Like even when this happened and there’s turmoil, no one left which is amazing.”
In the Aug. 2 letter, Kinsey acknowledged the "challenging period for the football community."
"Our focus remains on supporting our student-athletes and ensuring the football program continues to operate in a positive, stable, and student-centered manner. All scheduled practices, conditioning sessions, and team activities will continue as planned as we prepare for the upcoming season."
Tidwell was released on bond Aug. 1, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office. His first appearance in court is scheduled for Aug. 26.
— Dan DeLuca contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Barron Collier football coach Brannon Tidwell resigns after DUI arrest