Dearborn High School Names New Head Football Coach

When athletes at Dearborn High School take to the field for the 2013-2014 football season, they will be greeted by a new face.

The high school recently announced the appointment of John Powell as its new head football coach.

Powell, a Biology and sports tech teacher at DHS, will succeed David Mifsud, who accepted the head football coach position at Parma Western High School after 16 years at Dearborn.

"I'm really excited to have the opportunity to lead the football program at Dearborn High School and work with these great parents and students," Powell said.

Powell has a long history with the athletic program at DHS, serving as assistant coach to Mifsud in 2012, and as a basketball and golf coach at Fordson High School.

"I'm not here to facilitate a rebuilding process. This program is the best in the city and the best in its league," he said. "The team is the strongest that its ever been, which is a credit to Coach Mifsud's hard work. He laid the groundwork for me to come in and continue to grow the football program."

Mifsud, a 1982 Dearborn High graduate, posted a 108-58 coaching record at his alma mater, giving him the most wins of any coach in the school's history. He’s led the Pioneers to the state playoffs 11 times and in 2004 and 2006 they reached the Class A state semifinal and in 2010 finished with a 9-0 regular season, according to Heritage Media.

Powell met with parents and students at DHS on May 8 to formally introduce himself and answer questions about the upcoming season.

Athletic Director Jeff Conway said the high school received 20 applicants for the varsity coaching position, of those, a committee made up of teachers, students, and athletic staff narrowed the field to five applicants.

"We're happy with our decision," Conway said. "John is a positive, high-energy guy. Hopefully he'll stick around for a long time."