MOUNT VERNON – Once again, Mount Vernon High School is on the lookout for a new head football coach.
The school has announced that Jay Campbell has stepped down as football coach after two seasons on the job.
The decision to step down was entirely Campbell’s, according to Mount Vernon Schools Supt. Bill Seder.
“His decision caught us completely off-guard,” Seder said to Knox Pages. “He set high expectations for himself, his staff, and his student athletes.
“His work ethic and commitment to the program were of high quality.”
Campbell leaves with a 3-17 record in two years at the helm. Campbell joined the Yellow Jackets after leading Northridge to a 18-33 record over five seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2021.
This past season, Mount Vernon scored an impressive opening-day victory over Marion Harding and a huge upset win on the road at Wooster on Week 7.
However, the Jackets were outscored 131-0 in the final three games of the season, including a 38-0 loss at home to otherwise-winless Madison Comprehensive.
“We all wish our success on the field in terms of wins and losses could have been better,” Seder said. “However, there is much more that goes into evaluating the success of our program.”
Seder said the school has already begun placing notices on websites around the state, seeking a new head coach.
Although there is no specific timing to name a new coach, Seder expects to be evaluating candidates through the winter break and hopes to have a recommendation soon thereafter.
This will be the fifth head coaching change for Mount Vernon in 12 years.
Previous coaches in recent years include Anthony Naples (2011-14), Justin Todd (2015), Mike Kerr (2016-21) and Campbell (2022-23).
None of the coaches left with winning records.
Todd finished 5-5 in his lone season, but that includes a forfeit victory over Franklin Heights that was originally a loss on the field.
