MARIEMONT, Ohio — Mariemont football coach Kurry Commins is at peace with his decision to step down Monday in order to spend more time with his family.
“It’s just time to be a better dad and a better husband,” Commins told WCPO Monday afternoon.
Commins, 43, will continue to be a social studies teacher at Mariemont, a school and a community that he's thoroughly enjoyed the past eight years.
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Commins was 46-26 in seven seasons as the Mariemont head coach. He said it was very rewarding to impact student-athletes over the years. He spent eight years overall in the Mariemont football program including one season (2012) as an assistant coach under former longtime head coach Tom Crosby.
“I am most proud of being able to continue the strong tradition that Mariemont football has always had,” Commins said.
Mariemont, a Division V, Region 20 program, narrowly missed the playoffs this season. Mariemont had a 7-3 record, including four consecutive wins to open the season. Mariemont was 4-3 in the Cincinnati Hills League. The Warriors had 35 players this season.
“He had a tremendous year with them,” Mariemont athletic director Tom Nerl told WCPO Monday afternoon. “I am very grateful for what he did. He had a real good rapport with the kids from day one.”
Mariemont had two postseason appearances (2014 and 2013) under Commins. He was named the Cincinnati Hills League coach of the year in 2013 – his first season as head coach.
“He had a great connection with the kids,” Nerl said. “He was all about community. He was all about taking responsibility as a man. He’s always preached that. He’s always preached one heartbeat. The kids responded.”
Commins has been a high school head football coach for 18 years. Prior to Mariemont, he was also at Oak Hills (2006 to 2011) and Mount Healthy (2001 to 2005). He has a 112-74 career record as a head football coach.
Commins said he wouldn’t close the door completely on coaching high school football again in the future but is very content with helping his wife, Amy, raise their three children - ages 11, 9 and 5.
Mariemont does not plan to name an interim head coach. Nerl said the school will accept applications for the head football coaching position for the next three weeks before starting interviews in January.
