Big changes are coming to the Germantown High School football program. After 16 seasons leading Ridgeway, head coach Duron Sutton is taking the helm at Germantown, replacing Gene Robinson for the 2026 season.

Sutton, who posted a 92-86 record during his tenure with the Roadrunners, brings a wealth of experience to the Red Devils. His connection to Germantown runs deeper than just the playbook—he'll be reuniting with principal Jonathan Stencel, who previously held the same role at Ridgeway. This familiar partnership could be key as Sutton looks to turn around a Germantown program that finished 7-4 last season, falling in the first round of the TSSAA Class 6A playoffs.

The timing of Robinson's departure remains unclear, as neither he nor Germantown administrators have commented publicly. Robinson, who joined Germantown from Fairley in 2020, compiled a 44-16 record over five seasons (the team didn't play in 2020 due to COVID). His last campaign ended with a 7-4 mark and that early playoff exit last November.

With Sutton's arrival, Ridgeway moves quickly to fill the void. Athletic director Rhonda Kendall confirmed May 14 that assistant Jeremy Stewart has been promoted to head coach of the Roadrunners, who struggled to a 1-9 record in 2025. Sutton's first test at Germantown will come early—the Red Devils open the 2026 season on Aug. 21 with a rivalry trip to Houston.

For Germantown fans, this hire signals a fresh start with a coach who knows the Memphis high school football landscape inside and out. Whether Sutton can replicate his earlier success at Ridgeway—where he built a consistent playoff contender—will be one of the most compelling storylines to watch next season.