Manual football coach Donnie Stoner temporarily removed from post; Josh Gillispie filling role
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Manual's mascot, which is the Crimson.
Donnie Stoner has been temporarily removed from his position as Manual head football coach, a Jefferson County Public Schools spokesperson confirmed to The Courier Journal Friday.
While the spokesperson told the CJ via email Stoner was removed "per JCPS policies and procedures," no additional information was immediately provided related to Stoner's removal.
In an email to duPont Manual football families Friday, athletic director David Zuberer and principal Michael Newman announced that Manual assistant coach Josh Gillispie will serve as acting head coach "until further notice."
"Coach Gillispie has coached with the duPont Manual football program since 2019 and is prepared to continue implementing our current program and expectations our students know and respect," the email signed by Zuberer and Newman reads. "Additionally, I and Dr. Newman will meet with players at the beginning of practice to provide them an update with the temporary change of Acting Head Coach. You can also expect an introductory email from Coach Gillispie later this evening after practice."
KHSAA football: Here are the 2023 schedules for all 36 teams from the Louisville area
Kentucky high school sports records: Meet the all-time winningest coaches in KHSAA history
Stoner, who graduated from Manual in 2002 and teaches special education, was hired Feb. 2, 2022 to replace Scott Carmony, who announced his retirement the previous December after a six years running the program. Stoner was an assistant under Carmony for all six years and served as the Crimson’s defensive coordinator for two seasons. Under his tutelage, the Crimson’s defense allowed 10.2 points per game in 2020 and 14.9 points per game in 2021.
“We want to be more explosive on offense,” Stoner said after his hiring last February. “We want to be more up-tempo and upbeat, something that will be exciting for the players and the folks who come out and support us. … We’ll definitely be looking for guys to step up and fill some big shoes that were left in the offense and the running game.”
The Crimson opened Stoner’s debut season as a head coach with a 6-0 record before losing to St. Xavier, 21-10, Oct. 7. The squad also fell to rival Male in a 14-3 thriller to close the regular season. It ended the 9-3 season with a second-round playoff appearance.
High school basketball: Louisville standouts learn from time on one of biggest stages in youth hoops
Candyce Wheeler: Former Louisville star looks to put Butler girls basketball back on map
Stoner’s son, Tyree, became the Crimson’s starting quarterback as a freshman during Week Four after Elijah Creech broke his collarbone Sept. 2 during a 33-6 win over North Hardin. According to the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s website, Tyree threw for 710 yards and four touchdowns with nine interceptions during 11 games.
Upon graduating from Manual, Donnie Stoner played defensive back at Joliet (Ill.) Junior College for two seasons before completing his education at the University of Louisville and Campbellsville University. He got his start as an assistant at Evangel Christian (2005-07) and coached at Manual for the 2008 season before spending the next six years at Fern Creek (2009-15).
Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on Twitter at @Alexis_Cubit.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: duPont Manual High School football coach Donnie Stoner removed for now
