Resignation Announced Amid Disciplinary Investigation
Mariner High School head football coach Tyran Jones announced his resignation on August 18, 2026, in a social media post, according to the Naples Daily News and News-Press. "After much thought and consideration, I have officially resigned as head football coach of the Mariner Tritons," Jones wrote. "I'm grateful for every player, coach, family and person who has been part of this journey." He closed the post with a message to his players: "You've worked too hard to give up everything you've worked for. Now go be great!"
The resignation comes weeks after Jones was among six Mariner coaches disciplined for a lack of supervision during a team lock-in at the school on July 26. The Lee County School District placed Jones and assistant coach Kaycie Zorbas on administrative leave pending further investigation, and the school dismissed four assistants who were not employees of the school.
The Lock-In Incident
The lock-in, which took place at the school, prompted a parent complaint that led to a Cape Coral police investigation. According to a Cape Coral police report, the investigating officer wrote that "no intent to do harm" had been established and that "the consensus was a horseplay game that had the intention of being fun but ended with multiple upset parties." No criminal charges were filed.
Mariner principal Tom Michel sent a letter to parents stating that students involved in the misbehavior faced disciplinary action. The letter did not specify the nature of the misbehavior or the disciplinary measures taken.
Coaching Background and Transition
Jones, 32, was beginning his second season as Mariner's head coach after guiding the Tritons to a 3-7 record in 2025. Prior to Mariner, he spent two seasons as head coach at Island Coast, with his teams finishing a combined 8-12.
Mariner assistant Doug Faasse, who was not present at the lock-in, is serving as the team's head coach for the 2026 season, according to both reports.