Coach says health issues the primary reason for hard decision
Oceanside CA— Citing health issues that “prevent him from coaching at a high level,” longtime Oceanside High School football coach John Carroll has decided to resign from coaching, the district and the school announced today.
Carroll, who has headed the OHS program the past 26 years, is considered by many to be one of the most successful high school football coaches in the history of the state.
“It is hard to step down from doing something that I love, at a school that I love, with people that I love, in a community that I love,” said Carroll, who plans to continue teaching at the school. “Simply, my recovery from a brain injury suffered a year ago has not progressed to the point that I can operate in a full-time capacity as a teacher and coach to meet the standards I set for myself.”
In 1989, Coach Carroll joined the Oceanside Unified School District after coaching in Orange County. During his 26 years on the sidelines, Carroll built the OHS program into one of the most highly successful and recognizable in the state. His coaching milestones include – 247 victories, 2 state titles – a record 13 CIF titles, including an unprecedented 7 consecutive championships – and 21 straight semi-final playoff appearances.
“At Oceanside we are most blessed to have both site and district leaders that create an environment where excellence can thrive,” said Carroll.
This past December, the district honored Coach Carroll for his impact as a teacher and a coach, naming the school’s athletic facility in his honor. The site is now officially known as Simcox Field at John Carroll Stadium.
The district will immediately begin the process to identify and hire Carroll’s successor. According to district administrators, the search will include looking at candidates both inside and outside the district.