North Shore’s Kay leaving to join Owls’ staff
North Shore head football coach Jon Kay is stepping down from his position to become the new linebackers coach at Rice University, according to a report from Matt Stepp of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football.
Kay’s departure leaves one of the most prominent high school programs in the state with a head coaching vacancy. He took over the program in 2014 after serving as the defensive coordinator under former coach David Aymond.
Kay led the Mustangs to a 117-18 overall record and four state championships (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021) in nine seasons. He collected 41 playoff victories and is one of 16 Texas high school coaches to have won at least four UIL state titles.
North Shore has gone 56-2 in district action under Kay and has not lost a league game since 2017.
Kay’s first title came during his second year on the job. North Shore claimed a 21-14 overtime victory against fellow state powerhouse Austin Westlake in the Class 6A Division I championship game.
Kay guided his Mustangs to back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 with star quarterback Dematrius Davis leading the charge. The program’s 4136 triumph over Duncanville in 2018 was one of the most iconic finishes in Texas high school football history as Davis connected with A.J. Carter on a Hail Mary to the end zone as time expired.
North Shore faced Duncanville again in 2019, and the Mustangs won 31-17 victory.
Kay captured his fourth championship in 2021 when the Mustangs defeated Duncanville 17-10 behind a stout defensive performance and a late touchdown pass from Kaleb Bailey to David Amador.
North Shore lost to Duncanville 28-21 in the state title game last season. Kay’s final campaign included a 15-1 record and a fourth championship game appearance in five years.
Kay will join a Rice program coming off a 5-8 season. The Owls, led by head coach Mike Bloomgren, will be seeking their first winning season since 2014 when they get rolling this fall. Kay’s success at the high school level and connections in the Houston area and around the state could be a key factor in helping Rice’s recruiting efforts.