News Summary

Southern Local High School in Eastern Ohio is searching for a new head football coach following the resignation of long-time coach Rich Wright. With just six weeks until the 2025 football season begins, the Board of Education is eager to fill the position. Interim coach Zack Almy has stepped in as the team prepares for the upcoming season, while the district aims to appoint a permanent coach soon. As the community anticipates the new season, the focus remains on maintaining the football program’s successful legacy.

Southern Local High School on the Hunt for New Head Football Coach

In the bustling town of Southern Local, Eastern Ohio, excitement is in the air as the local high school searches for a new head football coach just six weeks before the 2025 football season kicks off. With the resignation of long-time coach and principal Rich Wright, the school’s football program has some big shoes to fill, and they are eager to find the right person to lead the team.

Resignation Amid Controversy

Wright, who has been an integral part of the school for the past decade, left the position due to what was described as “irreconcilable differences” within the school system. This shift has left many in the community wondering about the future of the football program, which under Wright’s guidance, saw a commendable record of 68 wins and 39 losses.

The Board of Education formally accepted his resignation earlier this week, and Superintendent Tom Cunningham has expressed the district’s intention to move forward swiftly in finding a replacement. The urgency is palpable; the board has posted the open coaching position and aims to appoint a new head coach at the earliest opportunity.

A Track Record of Success

During Wright’s tenure, the Southern Local football team achieved remarkable success, making seven consecutive playoff appearances. His experience includes a total of 26 seasons as a head coach, boasting an impressive overall record of 167 wins and 110 losses and a winning percentage of 60.3%.

Before his time at Southern Local, Wright also led teams at Wellsville and Beaver Local, achieving playoff appearances and building a legacy of success in those schools as well. His commitment to uplifting the students and the program will surely be missed.

Interim Leadership and Next Steps

In the meantime, the spotlight turns to assistant coach Zack Almy, who has been appointed as the interim head coach. Almy’s leadership will be vital as the team prepares for the upcoming season and navigates this transition period.

As the school district continues its search for a permanent head coach, the head coaching position is currently a union role that will be posted internally until July 17. The district hopes to finalize their recommendation by the end of next week, with a special board meeting lined up to discuss the candidates.

Upcoming Season Kicks Off Soon

With the countdown to kickoff rapidly approaching, the Southern Local Indians are set to open their 2025 football season against Toronto on August 22. Expectations are high, and the community is rallying around their team as they seek to build on the legacy left by their former coach.

Changes in School Administration

This shakeup doesn’t end at the football field. Recent board meetings have also resulted in new appointments at the administrative level. Jess Krulik has been appointed as the new high school principal, taking over from Wright, while Jordan Wrask steps into the role of middle school principal. Additionally, an opening for someone to direct the online school has emerged following Wright’s departure.

Although Wright had initially expressed intentions to coach the Indians this fall, circumstances have dictated a different path. As the community looks forward to the new football season, there’s a shared hope that the next head coach will continue to foster the growth and success of the program, ensuring that the Southern Local football legacy remains strong.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Mount Vernon Celebrates MLB Draft Success
Miami Football Coach Suspended Amid Allegations
New Rule Changes for Girls Lacrosse in 2026
New Additions to Columbia Women’s Swimming and Diving Team for 2025
Hudsonville High School Football Player Ethan Carter Recovering After Shooting
Sioux City High School Softball Postseason Highlights
Boys Track and Field Season Wraps Up in Taunton Area
Davenport Upsets Pleasant Valley in High School Baseball
California High School Baseball Shines Ahead of MLB Draft
Oklahoma High School Baseball Poised for 2025 MLB Draft

Additional Resources