The Penn Hills School District is beginning the search for a new football coach in the wake of Charles Morris’ resignation.
In a letter from Dr. Bernard Taylor Jr., principal at Penn Hills High School, sent Thursday, the district stressed that it is doing its best to provide the players in the football program with proper offseason conditioning and workout opportunities while continuing to provide clear and consistent communication of all finalized decisions.
The district, it said, is preparing to begin the interview process for the new coach.
“As we think bout the future of this program, we are committed to selecting a coach who not only builds a competitive team but also develops young men of character,” Taylor said.
“We want leadership that helps all players grow both on and off the field. The central focus in this process, as it is with any staff hiring decision, is to find individuals whose number one priority is student achievement and student well-being.”
Morris stepped down after four seasons with the Indians. He compiled a 24-20 overall record. Penn Hills went 3-7 last fall and was 2-3 in the Class 5A Northeast Conference.
The Indians fell to rival Plum, 20-14, in the season finale on a last-second touchdown off a blocked Mustangs field goal attempt.
Penn Hills made the WPIAL playoffs twice in Morris’ four years, advancing to the Class 5A quarterfinals in 2024 and the semifinals in 2023.