BIG STONE GAP, Va. – Union High School in Wise County has announced the hiring of Jamie Harless as its new head football coach, bringing a proven winner to a program looking to build on recent success. The appointment, made official on Tuesday, March 10, comes after a tumultuous period for the Bears, following the disappearance of former head coach Travis Turner.
Harless arrives at Union High with an impressive 14-season tenure at Lord Botetourt High School, where he amassed a career record of 134 victories. His leadership guided the Cavaliers to four regional titles and three state runner-up finishes, establishing him as the first coach in Lord Botetourt history to surpass 100 wins. The school is hoping Harless can provide stability and continue the momentum of a team that finished with an undefeated regular season record in 2025.
“Coach Harless is a proven winner who understands the culture of Southwest Virginia football,” school officials stated, as reported by WDBJ. His deep roots in the region, as an Abingdon High School standout and Emory & Henry College Hall of Famer, were also cited as key factors in his selection. The program believes his commitment to discipline and player development will be invaluable.
A Legacy of Success at Lord Botetourt
During his time at Lord Botetourt, Harless cultivated a consistent winning program. His teams weren’t just successful on the field, but also in developing players who went on to compete at the collegiate level. As WSLS reported, Harless emphasized leadership, noting that 14 of his players became college captains under his guidance. He described his legacy as fostering leadership qualities in his athletes, stating, “The thing that I want to be remembered the most about this place is…leadership is the ultimate harvest of all this.”
Harless expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he’s received, saying, “I feel like I’ve got about 100 gold keys laying there to unlock any door I need to, for the help. It’s been insane.” This enthusiasm suggests a strong commitment to integrating into the Union High community and building a successful program.
Replacing a Coach Under Difficult Circumstances
Harless’s hiring fills a vacancy left under challenging circumstances. Travis Turner, the previous head coach, disappeared on November 20, 2025, and is currently considered a fugitive by the Virginia Department of State Police. SuperTalk 929 reported that Turner remained missing four months after his disappearance. Wise County Schools ultimately terminated Turner’s employment in February after nearly $21,000 had been paid to him while he was a fugitive.
The situation presented a significant challenge for Union High School, requiring a swift and decisive move to ensure the continuity of the football program. The school clearly prioritized finding a coach with a strong track record and a deep understanding of the region.
Harless will take the reins of a team that has already demonstrated its potential, having completed an undefeated regular season in 2025. His task will be to build upon that foundation and lead the Bears to continued success at Bullitt Park. The community will be watching closely to see how Harless implements his winning formula in Wise County.
What comes next for the Union High Bears will be focused on spring practices and preparing for the 2026 season. The team’s ability to integrate Harless’s system and maintain the momentum from their undefeated 2025 campaign will be key indicators of their potential for continued success. The hiring of Harless marks a new chapter for Union High football, and the community eagerly anticipates seeing the program thrive under his leadership.
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