By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Franklin Grizzlies head coach Mike Leonard has stepped down. He was the leader of the program for the last 17 seasons.
Despite stepping down as the football coach, Leonard will remain at the school. He will work in the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement.
“Mike came to Franklin and moved our football program to a level of consistent excellence, and he did it with class and professionalism,” Director of Athletics Kerry Prather said. “He enjoys the respect of not only the young men who have played for him, but also of colleagues within the HCAC and around the country. It’s been a day-to-day pleasure to work with Mike and watch the football program prosper.”
Leonard was 129-55 at the school. He is the all-time winningest coach in program history.
He surpassed Stewart “Red” Faught’s record with his 121st win during the 2018 season.
“After 17 years of being the head football coach at Franklin College and 36 years in the coaching profession, I’ve decided the time is right for me to step aside and take on a new challenge in life,” said Leonard. “It has truly been an honor to serve as Franklin’s head football coach, and my family and I are extremely thankful to Kerry Prather, President Tom Minar and former President Jay Moseley for believing in me all these years.
“We were fortunate to win some games and championships along the way, but the real trophies for me will always be the special relationships formed with the players, our coaches and their families.”
He steps away following a 5-5 record during the 2019 season.
