(News Release) – Phil Pitts is stepping down as Central High School’s head football coach in an announcement made Thursday by Principal Dr. Deborah Stephens and Dave Lau, Athletic Director.

“The decision to leave St. Joseph and Central High School was an extremely difficult decision for my family and me,” said Pitts. “The opportunity to go back to our hometown and be closer to family was just something we felt we had to do. This move is based on what is best for our family. We have truly loved our time here and we have been very impressed with the people in the district.”

Pitts, who came on board with Central’s program in January of 2016, has accepted a coaching position at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

“In the year Coach Pitts and his family have been with us at Central, they have become our family,” said Dr. Stephens. “We understand that university offers don’t come along every day and we wish him the best with the Lincoln University challenge.”

In addition to previous coaching experience at the high school level, Pitts brought experience to Central High School from his time as a defensive analyst at the University of Missouri where he also played football from 2001-2004.

“Coach Pitts was everything as advertised. We appreciate the hard work with our student athletes and service to our football program. We hate to see him move on, but wish him the greatest success at Lincoln University,” said Lau.

Pitts’ resignation is effective at the end of the current semester. The search for his replacement will begin immediately.

“Coach Pitts has been instrumental in helping create an environment of success at Central High School, not only for the football program but all students as well. We are disheartened to see him leave, but understand, even though it has been a short amount of time, Coach Pitts has made a tremendous impact. Our goal is to recruit and hire someone that can continue that energy,” said Dr. Robert Newhart, SJSD superintendent.