Zach Gibson steps down as Owen football coach
Program begins search for fourth head coach since 2020
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 12, 2023
Owen High School head football coach Zach Gibson is stepping down after two years on the sidelines for the Warhorses. Photo by Fred McCormick
The Owen Warhorses football program is searching for a new head coach for the third time since 2021, following the resignation of Zach Gibson, who held the position for two years.
Gibson, the former offensive coordinator for Pisgah who led the Owen football team to a combined 3-17 record in 2022 and 2023, informed his player on Dec. 8 of his departure.
“This is fully a family decision for me,” he said. “I’ve got a 1-year-old, I still live in Candler, so it’s a drive to get out here everyday, and the responsibilities of my home life were being neglected a little. It’s truly a decision that I feel is best for my family, by allowing me to spend more time with them.”
Gibson, who will remain in his role as physical education and health teacher through the 2023-24 school year, expressed gratitude for the current Owen administration, his players and coaching staff.
“I really want to thank our coaches, John Shaw, Jason LeMay, Matt Turner, Matt Owenby and Jack Slaughter,” he said. “They spent so much time coaching these kids and putting in work each and every day.”
Gibson, whose final game on the Warhorse sideline ended in a 35-21 home victory over Madison, added that he and his staff were fortunate to work with a “special” group of student-athletes.
“The wins weren’t there like we wanted them to be, but we shared a lot of great memories,” he said of his time with the team. “We feel like we did a lot with these kids these past couple of years to help set them up for success after high school.”
Gibson accepted the position in April of 2022, following the resignation of Brint Russell, who coached the Warhorses in 2021. Previous head coach Nathan Padgett, currently an assistant principal at A.C. Reynolds, held the position from 2015 - 2020.
Owen is beginning its search for a new head coach immediately, according to athletic director Chris Collins.
“At this point we posted the position on the Buncombe County Schools website and that marks the start of the process,” he said. “Once we receive applications, myself, (principal) Dawn Rookey and the assistant principals will sit down, review them and determine the best fit.”
The next coach to lead the program will be asked to continue the work started by Gibson.
“It will take some time to establish relationships and build, from the youth level through middle school,” Collins said. “There will definitely be some work involved, so we’re hoping to find someone who will embrace that.”
The athletic director credited the former coach for establishing strong bonds with his players, coaches and the team’s supporters.
“He put a lot of time and energy into this program,” Collins said of Gibson. “He worked incredibly hard for this program throughout the time he’s been here, and Zach is a good person and family man, so we wish him nothing but the best.”