Nick Beloat named Princeton interim football coach for 2026 season

Nick Beloat was approved to be Princeton’s interim football coach next season at the North Gibson School Corporation board meeting on May 11.

Beloat was on staff as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator during Derek Archer’s lone season as coach in 2025. Princeton finished the season with a 3-7 record, but Beloat contributed to Princeton’s offense, generating more yards and points than they had in a decade.

It remains unclear as to what led to the coaching change. Regardless, Beloat is appreciative of what Archer provided him with.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity he gave me last year to coach under him,” Beloat said. “He’s a great man, and I wish him nothing but the best.”

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Last season wasn’t Beloat’s first time around the Princeton program. He has his fair share of history with the Tigers as an assistant from 2010 to 2019. He’s also spent time in charge of their youth football operation.

It is surely an exciting time for the Princeton native. He knows the community well and values the relationships he has been able to build with the players over the years. This latest opportunity allows him to continue doing what he loves – coaching.

“I have a standard and belief in this program that I don’t think has been here for quite some time,” Beloat said. “Getting the kids out and believing in themselves is the first challenge, but I feel like we have had a great start to that with what we saw through the team last year.”

Beloat, a Greater Evansville Football Hall of Fame inductee, feels Princeton is close to a turnaround. Last season, they lost two close games by a combined 10 points to Washington and Mt. Vernon. A 5-5 record looks a lot different than 3-7.

But those losses create learning lessons and opportunities to respond. It’s an experience Beloat knows his players will be better for heading into 2026.

Princeton’s staff will look similar to last year’s, with some new faces joining as well. Beloat said they will work tirelessly to lead the Tigers in the right direction.

“We have a group of guys that want the very best for these players on and off the field,” Beloat said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of men to coach with.”

Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Nick Beloat named interim coach of Princeton football for 2026 season