The 2026 high school football season in central Ohio is shaping up to be one of transition, as a wave of programs have announced new head coaches in recent weeks. The changes come as teams look to rebuild, sustain momentum, or simply inject new energy into long‑standing routines.
Fresh Faces on the Sidelines
At Walnut Ridge, Devante Collins steps in after a successful stint as an assistant, taking over from Austin Traylor. His reputation for developing disciplined defenses precedes him, and early conversations with players suggest a focus on accountability and speed. Meanwhile, Steve Daulton is returning to Bloom‑Carroll after three years as an offensive coordinator, bringing a fresh playbook that emphasizes a balanced attack.
Tyris Diehl has been tapped to revitalize the Centennial Stars, a program that has not posted a winning season since 2019. Athletic directors cite his track record of turning around underperforming squads as a key reason for the hire. At Northridge, Dave Everson replaces Dustin Calhoun, promising to carry forward the defensive schemes that helped the team become a regional contender.
Lonnel Harrison now leads Northland, inheriting a top City League program with high expectations. Shawn Hinkle, meanwhile, remains at Grandview Heights, where he aims to preserve the success that has made the program a model of consistency in recent years.
A Wave of New Leadership
The roster of new coaches extends beyond the headline programs. Cory Heeter takes the reins at Logan Elm, succeeding a decade‑long mentor, while Andy Johnson begins his first head‑coaching role at Worthington Christian after twelve years in assistant positions. Eddie Johnson, promoted from defensive coordinator, now guides Amanda‑Clearcreek, and Jeremy McKinney returns to Lancaster with the goal of ending a drought that dates back to 2018. Nate Mettler succeeds Logan Stepp at Westfall, and Tom Phillips replaces Josh Hendershot at Newark Catholic. Ryan Sayers hopes to leverage population growth at Licking Heights, and Mark Solis returns to New Albany after a four‑year stint as a coordinator at Hilliard Davidson. Gage Steinmetz, a recent alum, now coaches East Knox, and Jeremy Walpole begins his fourth stint as a head coach at Lakewood, eager to lift the team’s performance.
Community leaders and parents alike are watching these transitions closely, aware that a single coaching change can reshape a program’s identity. While each hire brings a distinct background — ranging from college‑level experience to deep local roots — the common thread is a shared ambition to compete more fiercely in an increasingly competitive landscape. As preseason practices get underway, the buzz surrounding these new leaders underscores the enduring passion for high school football across central Ohio.