YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Carl Pelini will return as head football coach and athletic director at Cardinal Mooney in 2023.
The high school confirmed his reinstatement in a release that was sent out on Thursday afternoon.
“Last week, I moved too aggressively in opting for a change in the athletic department,” Cardinal Mooney President/Principal Nicholas Beyer said.
“In the days following the announcement, I received an outpouring of support for Carl from his players and coaching staff, the players’ parents, and others in the Mooney community,” Beyer added. “I informed Carl on Sunday that I was reassessing my decision. And after a constructive meeting yesterday, we mutually agreed to move forward together for the 2023-24 school year.”
The change of plans comes after the school announced last week in a release that Pelini’s contract was not being renewed for the next school year.
Nearly 100 people showed up at the high school on Monday morning to show support for Pelini, hoping the school would have a change of heart.
Pelini has posted a 9-22 record in three seasons with the Cardinals and registered two Division V playoff wins this past season.
