SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — Shawnee High School football coach Jon Carpenter has resigned after one season in that position.
Carpenter notified Shawnee’s players and their parents by text and email Friday morning of his decision, citing family reasons, including his father’s heart surgery earlier this year, as the explanation for his decision.
He said he and his family will be moving to central Ohio to be closer to his family and the family of his wife Anna.
“The reasoning of stepping away from Shawnee is completely personal,” Carpenter said. “I’ve had some family situations in the last six months. I want to be closer to my family. That’s all that matters to me. “
Carpenter said he plans to teach somewhere and possibly do some coaching this year.
“Nothing is official as far as where I’m going to teach yet but I am going to teach. In regards to coaching, I’ll probably be involved in a small capacity somewhere,” he said.
Carpenter, the son of former NFL running back Rob Carpenter and brother of former Ohio State linebacker Bobby Carpenter, came to Shawnee from Ohio State, where he was a graduate assistant.
The Indians were 0-10 last season and were outscored 362-58.
In his letter announcing his resignation to his players and their parents, Carpenter said, “With a heavy heart, I want to inform you that I will not be returning to Shawnee next year due to family circumstances out of my control. This is the hardest choice I have ever had to make, as I love the student-athletes, school and community so much.
“I want to make it extremely clear that my choice is not a reflection of my thoughts or opinions of Shawnee High School,” he said.
Shawnee learned of Carpenter’s decision Friday morning, high school principal Tony Cox said.
“We are going to post the position of head coach and some teaching positions that go along with what we’re looking for,” Cox said. “It will either be posted today (Friday) or on Tuesday.”
“We’re going to do everything we can to make this a smooth and seamless transition. We’re just really trying to focus on the kids now and keep things moving in the right direction.
“Jon did some nice things for our program. Our weight room culture has changed dramatically and I attribute that to Jon and his assistant coaches. There are some great things he has done for our program. We wish him luck. But we’re going to keep moving forward and keep trying to rebuild our program,” Cox said.
High school football practice begins Aug. 1 and Shawnee’s season opener will be on Aug. 27 at Delphos Jefferson.
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