Jonathan McWhorter, who played guard and linebacker for Cedar Bluff, was a walk-on at Auburn for two years, but never got on the field during a game.

While in college, he helped coach for two seasons at Gaylesville, then coached one year at Chattooga County, Georgia before returning to his alma mater.

After being the Tigers defensive coordinator for four seasons, McWhorters head coaching career began with a bang in 2006. He was hired to replace Steve Smith, who moved on to Piedmont. McWhorter guided the Tigers to their first 13-win season and the Class 1A state title game for the first time in school history. Cedar Bluff finished as state runner-up to Sweet Water that year.

In 2021, McWhorter was approved by the Cherokee County Board of Education as the schools assistant principal. He leaves behind 1 record of 121-58 on the football field after fifteen seasons at Cedar Bluff. His teams won five region crowns and posted an 18-14 playoff record. He was also 81-19 in region play.