WINTER HAVEN – Polk State Basketball's longest tenured assistant coach has headed west. Following the Eagles' 121-76 victory over West Bay Collegiate Academy on Dec. 17, Josh Jackson resigned to take a coaching job in California.

Jackson is now the head boys basketball coach and physical education coach at KIPP Charter School in Los Angeles. Jackson was in his eighth season with Polk State, serving under Head Coach Brandon Giles since the beginning of Giles' tenure.

"It was tough leaving some of my family, Coach Giles, and the players," Jackson said. "It hurt to leave, but I had to do what was best for me and my family."

Over his eight seasons with the program, Jackson was involved in scouting, recruiting, and player development among other roles.

"One of the things you always want next to you on the bench is trust," Giles said. "He was the epitome of that – whether it was recruiting, scouting, game planning, all that. He was like a brother. We spent a lot of time together and had deep conversations. In many ways, we grew together. I think this opportunity is a great reward for him and will allow him to better take care of his family."

Known as "Coach Jack" to his players, Jackson helped more than 30 Polk State players go on to play at four-year programs.

"Coach Jack was the person to introduce me to Polk," said George Pridgett, an All-FCSAA guard for Polk State during the 2022-23 season who's now playing at Florida International University. "He ultimately gave me a rebirth opportunity for my playing career and perspective on life. I am forever grateful to Coach Jack and all his efforts in helping me. He'll be missed at Polk, but I know he will be a great at whatever he gets his hands on."

Prior to coaching, Jackson was an accomplished college basketball player himself. Jackson played his first three seasons at College of Charleston, including one under the legendary Bobby Cremins. As a sophomore during the 2005-06 season, Jackson averaged nearly 13 points and six rebounds to earn All-Southern Conference honors. Jackson finished his career at South Carolina State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in family and consumer science business in 2009.

"Being a player myself, it always made me proud to see guys grow from teenagers when they got (to Polk) into admirable young men," Jackson reflected. "Seeing many of them graduate and move on to bigger schools and to professional careers has been a blessing."

Jackson grew up in Haines City, but after graduating college, began his coaching career at Spartanburg Methodist College, a junior college in South Carolina. Jackson spent two seasons there under Jon Cremins – the nephew of the legendary Bobby Cremins. Jackson returned to the area where he grew up, planning to step away from coaching, but that desire soon followed.

Although the two didn't know each other personally, Jackson recognized a familiar face who was newly hired to lead the Polk State program. Jackson and Giles had met before on the basketball court – but previously as competitors. During Jackson's final season at College of Charleston, Giles played as freshman for Southern Conference rival Western Carolina University.

"I saw Brandon was named the head coach and I said, 'I know that guy,'" Jackson explained. "I called and asked if I could join his staff. I came in and watched a practice and spent our first season as a volunteer assistant."

Following the 2017-18 season, Jackson was offered a job at Wallace State College in Alabama as the top assistant coach. Jackson accepted the job, but before he could pack his bags, the same position at Polk State opened. He spent his final seven seasons as the lead assistant.

"Brandon is like a brother to me," Jackson added. "His family is my family. We clicked from day one – maybe because we're both Geminis. Brandon has always been there for me and had my back no matter what. I'll always love him for that."

During his tenure, Jackson was a part of more than 100 wins. During the 2021-22 season, he helped the Eagles reach the FCSAA Tournament for the first time under Giles. On four occasions, Jackson was forced to fill in for Giles as interim head coach. In that capacity, he went 4-0.

"He developed great, valuable relationships with the young men we brought into our program over the years," Giles noted. "He was a valuable, intricate piece. He's irreplaceable."

Although Jackson is now more than 2,500 miles and three time zones away, he's optimistic about the future of the Polk State program. Despite Saturday's 80-70 loss to St. Petersburg College, Polk State, at 12-5, has tied the best 17-game start of Giles' career.

"Polk is a great program," Jackson concluded. "It's in great hands with Brandon. He has a great group of assistants. Brandon is going to bring home a championship sooner or later. Polk will always have a special place in my heart. I thank (former Athletics Director) Bing (Tyus), (current Athletics Director Stanley) Cromartie, and the whole Athletics Department."