Bellefontaine did not have to look far to fill the vacancy in its football program.
Jason Brown, a 1993 BHS graduate who led the Chiefs from 2003 through 2009, was announced Friday night as the replacement for Toby Smith, pending approval by the board of education.
Smith recently resigned after seven seasons as head coach.
“It’s an honor to have another opportunity coach the Chieftain football program,” said Brown. “I love Chieftain football, I love the community and I love the kids. I am excited to get back to work.”
BHS athletic director Matt Comstock said there were over 20 applicants for the position.
“I would like to thank the BCS administration, staff and students, as well as the community members, parents and boosters who helped on the search committee,” said Comstock in a press release. “I would also like to thank the 20-plus individuals who threw their hat in the ring for this position.
“I believe that Coach Brown will not only be a great football coach, but also a great role model for our student-athletes. I look forward to seeing the program thrive, not only in its play on the field, but also the increased participation that I know Coach Brown will attract.”
Brown compiled a record of 38-34 in his first stint as head coach of the Chiefs. He won a conference title and led the team to the playoffs in 2007 and 2009.
After stepping down, he moved to Florida, where he was an assistant coach at South Ft. Myers High School for two seasons.
He then returned to Bellefontaine, where he has served as an assistant for the past seven seasons. He was the team’s defensive coordinator over the last five years.
Brown said he has grown in many areas since he first became a head coach 17 years ago.
“I am now a father of three, and being a father changes you for the better,” said Brown. “I also had the opportunity to coach at a high level of high school football at South Ft. Myers where we had a lot of Division I college players and a couple of guys that went on to play in the NFL. When you coach at that level, it forces you to perform to the best of your abilities.”
Normally a coaching change results in a transition period, but with Brown’s past experience in the program and as a teacher in the high school, he expects for a smooth changeover.
“I feel like we can hit the ground running,” he said. “We can get to work right away.”
His list of goals to accomplish begins putting together a top-notch group of assistants.
“I want to assemble the best staff possible,” he said. “We are looking for good people, good educators and good teachers. To be the best, we have to be the best teachers we can be.
“We want this program to serve the community. They deserve our very best and we are going to strive to give them what they deserve.”