Indiana high school football state champion head coach steps down

Cascade High School head coach Connor Simmons during the first half of an IHSAA Class 3A semi-state championship football game against Gibson Southern High School, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Cascade High School.

A Indiana high school football team is coming off winning their first ever state championship in program history, but will be on the search for a new head coach now.

According to an social media announcement, Connor Simmons announced that he’s stepping down as the head coach of the Cascade Cadets (IN). Simmons guided the Cadets to their first-ever state title in 2025, defeating Bishop Luers, 29-14, for the state’s Class 3A championship.

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“For the last 6 years I have dedicated every ounce of energy to Cascade Football and after much consideration and reflection with my family, I have made the difficult decision to hang up the whistle and step down as the Head Football Coach and Teacher at Cascade High School following this school year,” Simmons said in his statement.

“I will be pursuing a step up into an administration role pending school board approval at an Indiana High School. This program has meant more to me than I can ever fully put into words. The relationships, off-seasons, Friday Nights, wins, losses and everything in between, they are all memories that I will have and cherish for the rest of my life.”