Clay High School Welcomes New Football Coach Derek Pennington

OREGON, Ohio — Clay High School has announced that Derek Pennington will be stepping in as the new head football coach for the Eagles. The decision was made official on Tuesday, marking an exciting new chapter for the school’s football program. Pennington comes to Clay after a successful tenure at Caledonia High School in Michigan, where he compiled an impressive 34-12 record over the last four seasons.

During his time at Caledonia, Pennington led the team to district titles in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he also guided the team to the state finals, showcasing his ability to build strong competitive teams. His coaching prowess did not go unnoticed, as he earned the title of Division I Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.

Before his success at Caledonia, Pennington held the reins at Zeeland East High School, leading the program to an impressive record of 12 winning seasons and several playoff appearances. His track record includes four conference championships along with multiple district and regional titles, proving his capability to foster a winning culture.

As Pennington takes over the program, he replaces former head coach John Galyas, who stepped down after a notable eight-season run. Galyas guided the Eagles to their first league title since 1982, culminating in the 2024 Northern Lakes League Cardinal Division Championship in the recently completed season.

The Athletics Department expressed enthusiasm about Pennington’s hiring, highlighting his commitment to developing student-athletes and improving the football program’s overall standard. The school community is now looking forward to a promising future under Pennington’s leadership. Welcome to EAGLE NATION, Coach Pennington!