Travis Turner disappearance deepens as Union High School moves on with Jamie Harless hiring while charges and timing leave many questions (Image via Getty)
Union High School has made a big decision as the mystery around football coach Travis Turner is still not solved. Nearly four months after he went missing, the school has now named a new head coach.
Jamie Harless will take over the football program while the search for Turner, 46, continues. Turner was last seen on November 20, 2025, near his home in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. His disappearance came just as authorities were preparing to question him. Soon after, serious charges were filed against him, including five counts related to illegal content involving minors and five counts of using a computer to contact a minor.
As of now, there have been no confirmed sightings. According to Virginia State Police, every lead has been checked but nothing has been found. The case is still active, and officials continue to ask the public for help.
Jamie Harless steps in as Union High School moves forward after Travis Turner case and ongoing investigation
With the situation still unclear, Union High decided it could not wait any longer. Principal Jerred Chandler explained that the school needed stability, especially for the students and the football team.
That is where Jamie Harless comes in.Harless brings strong experience. He coached at Lord Botetourt High School in Daleville, Virginia, where he won 134 games over 14 years. His teams also reached four regional titles and finished as state runner-up three times.Speaking to News 5 WCYB on March 12, Harless made his mindset clear. He said, “Everything has to be moving forward. You can’t look back.” He also shared how he wants to guide his players.
“My biggest point to anybody, if you’re going to be the leader of a football team, teach them how to be a real man. You can’t be a great football player unless you know how to act like a real man.”At the same time, he wants the team to enjoy the game. “Kids need to know I’ll have fun with them. I want them to be men, but I want them to have fun,” he added.Principal Jerred Chandler said the school chose Harless because he connects well with students.
“He works with the relationships with the kids. He studies the game, he knows the history of the game,” Chandler told WCYB.Meanwhile, Turner was officially removed from his job on February 9. Records show he received $21,226.35 after the allegations became public. School officials explained that such payments can happen due to contract rules and payroll timing, and do not mean he was still working. As the team begins a new chapter under Harless, the search for Turner continues in the background. Police say they are still working both angles, the criminal case and the missing person search, every single day.
