Barron Collier head football coach resigns following DUI charges

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — The head football coach at Barron Collier High School resigned on Monday after being arrested Saturday on DUI-related charges.

Following the resignation of Brannon Tidwell, Andrew Clawson has been named interim head coach. 

Tidwell was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and refusing to submit to DUI testing, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office. He later posted bond and was released.

An arrest report was not immediately available Sunday. The Collier County Sheriff's Office told WINK News the report is expected to be released Monday.

Tidwell graduated from Barron Collier High School in 1996 and returned to lead the football program in 2025, according to previous WINK News reporting.

WINK News called Tidwell for comment but did not immediately receive a response. 

The Collier County School District released the following statement:

Dear Barron Collier Football Student-Athletes, Families, and Supporters:

I am writing to provide an update regarding our football program.  Earlier today, Coach Brannon Tidwell submitted his resignation as head football coach. We appreciate Coach Tidwell's service to Barron Collier High School and wish him well moving forward.

Effective immediately, Andrew Clawson will serve as Interim Head Football Coach. Coach Clawson has been a valued member of our football program for many years, serving as head freshman coach and as a member of the varsity coaching staff. He is well known to our student-athletes and families and has played an important role in the development of our program.

Our focus remains on supporting our student-athletes and ensuring the football program continues to operate in a positive, stable, and student-centered manner. All scheduled practices, conditioning sessions, and team activities will continue as planned as we prepare for the upcoming season.

I recognize that this has been a challenging period for our football community. Through it all, our student-athletes have continued to demonstrate resilience, commitment, and pride in representing Barron Collier High School. They deserve our full support as we move forward together.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students, our football program, and our school.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Sean C Kinsley, Principal

Barron Collier High School

Tidwell's first court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 26.