St. Augustine High's baseball field has hosted the Yellow Jackets for decades. In this May 2017 photo, the Yellow Jackets defeated Jacksonville Englewood. | Photo by Will Brown
Published on April 30, 2026 at 3:41 pm
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The St. Johns County School District is investigating St. Augustine High School baseball coach Tony Cannaday after the coach was abruptly placed on leave and removed from his coaching position this month.
In a letter of reprimand addressed to Cannaday, Deputy Superintendent for Human Resources Wayne King said the district received reports and videos of “inappropriate activities, including boxing and other unsafe behavior, occurring in the team’s locker room.”
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“As a coach, you are expected to maintain a safe, respectful, and positive environment at all times, including during locker room activities, practices, and team-related events,” King wrote. “The behaviors documented in these videos indicate a lapse in professional judgment and a failure to ensure appropriate supervision, which can compromise student safety and well-being.
“Any recurrence of similar conduct — or any actions inconsistent with the standards required of instructional personnel or employees serving in supervisory roles — may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including a recommendation for termination of employment with St. Johns County School District.”
Although he was removed from his coaching position, Cannaday remains employed with the district as a physical education teacher.
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Coach reported to state
The school district did not provide any additional information or documentation about Cannaday’s conduct on the grounds that the investigation into his behavior is continuing.
The district reported Cannaday’s conduct to the state Department of Education. Cannaday also was informed that he must participate in three “coaching sessions focused on strengthening team culture, establishing and reinforcing clear expectations for student conduct, and reviewing and implementing updated locker room supervision and behavioral expectations.”
Cannaday did not immediately respond to Jacksonville Today’s request for a comment.
Before taking the post as head baseball coach at St. Augustine High, Cannaday served as the head baseball coach at Nease High School.
Max Krueter has taken over as St. Augustine’s baseball coach.
The St. Augustine High School baseball team is in competition for a state championship for the first time since 2018. The Yellowjackets beat Panama City Beach Arnold 10-6 earlier this month, moving them to a regional semifinal match against Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee this Friday.
