Springfield Public Schools has announced Joel Heman as the interim head football coach for the Glendale Falcons.
SPS says the position will be posted this season and a full-time coach will be named in 2024.
Mike Mauk had been the Glendale head coach for nearly 10 years. Last week, Mauk told KY3 Sports that he was out right now as he recovers from hip surgery.
KY3 Sports Director Mark Spillane reached out Springfield Public Schools Director of Athletics, Josh Scott.
Scott would not confirm if this move is a mutual decision between SPS and Mauk or if this is a decision being made by the district.
Mauk sued SPS for age discrimination in 2021. The Missouri Court System shows that the case is still pending. Mauk, nor his attorney, could be reached for comment at this time.
Glendale begins its season next Friday night, 8/25, at home versus Waynesville.
We will update this when we have more information.
The SPS news release can be seen below.
Springfield Public Schools has named Mr. Joel Heman the interim head football coach for Glendale High School, effective immediately. Coach Heman has served both as an assistant coach and a head coach in the Falcons program. Additionally, he has experience in the Ozark Conference and has been working with the team since the beginning of the summer.
“Coach Heman is a respected mentor who invests in the lives of student athletes,” said Josh Scott, director of athletics and activities for SPS. “Joel has already been leading practice for the regular season and we appreciate his willingness to serve as head coach in an interim capacity. We also thank Coach Mike Mauk for his service.”
The head coach position will be posted throughout the season and a permanent coach will be named in 2024.
