Bald Knob Names Jerrod Barnhill Head Football Coach & Athletic Director

The Bald Knob School District has announced the hiring of Jerrod Barnhill as its new Head Football Coach and Athletic Director, marking an exciting new chapter for Bulldog athletics. Barnhill brings more than 17 years of coaching and leadership experience to Bald Knob and will officially begin his role on January 6.

Coach Barnhill comes to the district from Pulaski Academy, one of Arkansas’s most respected high school athletic programs. During his time there, he served as Assistant Athletic Director and a varsity assistant football coach, working closely with the offensive line and leading the junior high football program. His leadership helped guide teams that were part of two Arkansas high school state championship runs and two additional semifinal appearances. Several players he coached went on to compete at the collegiate level, including at Stanford University, SMU, and Rhodes College.

Beyond the field, Barnhill played a significant role in athletic administration, supporting all sports through scheduling, communication, digital media, video operations, game analysis, and recruiting efforts. As head coach of the junior high football program, he oversaw all football operations and led his teams to a combined 17–2 record over the past two seasons.

Prior to Pulaski Academy, Barnhill served as offensive coordinator at Maumelle High School, where he helped turn a struggling 1–9 program into a playoff contender, dramatically improving offensive production and setting multiple school records. Earlier in his career at Marion High School, he was instrumental in revitalizing the football program by increasing participation, improving win totals, and earning a playoff victory.

Coach Barnhill holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Arkansas State University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas. His coaching philosophy emphasizes developing the whole student-athlete, using athletics to teach discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership both on and off the field.

District leaders say Barnhill’s experience and vision align well with the goals of Bald Knob Public Schools. His plans include bringing an exciting style of play built on precision and execution, while also elevating all athletic programs toward championship-level standards.

Coach Barnhill has expressed strong enthusiasm about joining the Bald Knob community, noting its tough, resilient, blue-collar character and his desire to reflect those same values throughout the district’s athletic programs. With his arrival, Bald Knob looks forward to continued growth, strong leadership, and renewed energy across Bulldog athletics.