One of Indiana’s winningest high school football coaches is stepping away.
Mooresville announced the retirement of Mike Gillin on Monday, ending a 47-year coaching career. Gillin coached his final nine seasons at Mooresville, leading the Pioneers to a 68-40 record with four sectional titles, one regional crown and one Mid-State Conference championship.
Gillin, who was named to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2014, was 373-157 overall in his coaching career to rank third on the all-time wins list behind former Sheridan coach Bud Wright (464 wins) and current Knox coach Russ Radtke (423 wins). Gillin coached at Tri-West from 1979-89, Decatur Central from 1990-2000 and Indian Creek from 2001-2016.
Gillin, a 1969 Decatur Central graduate, was a standout quarterback who was known as an innovative offensive coach at all of his stops. After producing 16 consecutive winning seasons at Indian Creek, he turned around a Mooresville program that struggled to a 3-9 record his first year, leading the Pioneers to six consecutive winning seasons, including the four sectional championships and one regional title.
“Coach Gillin has left an indelible mark on Pioneer football,” Mooresville athletic director Matthew Bosworth said. “His impact reaches far beyond the football field – he’s helped shape generations of student-athletes into better people. His legacy of hard work, humility and pride will continue to define our program.”
In a statement from the school, Mooresville stated it “extends its deepest gratitude to coach Gillin, his wife Michelle, and their family for their dedication to the school and community.” The school will announce its plans to honor Gillin’s career and contributions in coming weeks.
Mooresville was 5-5 this season, ending on Friday with a 48-14 loss to second-ranked Bishop Chatard in the first round of Class 4A Sectional 22.
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. Get IndyStar’s high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. And be sure to subscribe to our new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Mike Gillin retires as Mooresville football coach, ending 47-year career third on wins’ list
Reporting by Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
