Mueller named coach at Monroe
MONROE — While the decision wasn’t the easiest, Mark Mueller still felt it was time for a change.
The longtime prep coach will direct the Monroe High School football program — pending school board approval Monday — after a three-year stint at Fenwick.
Mueller, 53, will take over for Bob Mullins, who stepped down after five seasons. The Hornets went 2-8 this past season and 23-29 overall under Mullins.
Mueller, who plans to get right to business at Monroe as soon as possible, has amassed an overall career record of 112-46 as coach at Fenwick, Cincinnati Hills Christian
Academy and New Albany.
He’s been a head coach for the last 14 years and an assistant coach 14 years prior to that.
“In my 28 years of doing this, it’s always hard to leave,” Mueller said of coaching the Falcons, who went 15-15 in those three seasons. “This was tough. I love the families. I love the kids. I’ve been reaching out to some of them. I’m still going to help out with some of their recruiting. I’ll always be in those kids’ lives.
“It was just time for a change.” Mueller has won seven league championships and qualified for the state playoffs nine times during his tenure as a head coach.
He led CHCA to the regional final and twice led New Albany to the state final four (2005, 2012). Mueller has been named his league’s coach of the year seven times.
Monroe Athletic Director Eric Silverman said Mueller’s resume — and his leadership mentality — won him the job.
“I am very excited to welcome Coach Mueller to Hornet Country as our next head football coach,” Silverman said. “Throughout our hiring process, Mark’s commitment to building relationships with student-athletes made a lasting impression on our hiring committee.
“His programs are built on a foundation of core values designed