News

NHHS announces new head football coach

Jake Sell

By Lightning Reports, Published: February 18, 2026

Jake Sell, who has been associated with Apple Valley Middle and North Henderson High School for seven years, has been named North’s head football coach.

A standout at Greeneville (Tennessee) High School, Sell helped lead his team to state championships in 2010 and 2011 and served as team captain in 2012 and 2013. He continued his playing career as a scholarship athlete at Mars Hill University from 2014–2018, where he was a two-year captain, earned Academic All-District honors and was recognized in 2019 by the National Football Foundation. He was also named 2019 Man of the Year for Mars Hill Athletics.

At Mars Hill, Sell earned a bachelor’s degree in health and human performance (2019) and master’s degree in elementary education (2021). He completed his school leadership certification in 2024 from Appalachian State University.

Sell began his professional career at Apple Valley Middle School (2019–2024) as a physical education teacher and head coach for football, basketball, wrestling and track. Now in his third year at NHHS, Sell serves as a business teacher and a coordinator on the varsity football team, head middle school wrestling coach and head boys track coach. His broad experience as a multi-sport coach and educator reflects his commitment to building disciplined, accountable and high-character student-athletes.

With championship experience, proven leadership and a strong foundation in education, Coach Sell is prepared to lead the North Henderson High School football program with integrity, vision and a commitment to sustained success on and off the field.