Westlake’s Hall resigns as coach

The Demons are looking for a new head coach.

Jason Hall announced his resignation as the Westlake football coach on Dec. 7 after four seasons in charge.

Westlake becomes the second Morning Journal area school to search for a new coach in the offseason, joining Elyria, which parted ways with Sean Arno in early November.

He was 12-30 at Westlake, leading the Demons to their second ever playoff berth in 2016, delivering the program’s second playoff win in a 48-41 overtime thriller against Holland Springfield — a game in which Westlake entered the fourth quarter trailing 41-14.

Hall cited wanting to spend more time with his family as a key reason for his decision.

“After spending the last 20-plus years of my life involved in football as either an athlete or a coach, I feel I owe it to my family to be able have a more flexible schedule that enables me to watch them do what they love,” Hall said in a statement. “We have made our home in Westlake and love the area and the school. I just feel that at this time in my life, this is a decision I need to make for my family. I still intend to be active with our coaches and athletes, helping our athletic department in any way I can.”

Among his other stops while coaching, Hall spent time at Ravenna Southeast, Brush, Nordonia and, prior to heading to Westlake, Massillon Washington. He guided Ravenna Southeast and Brush to their first playoff appearances, while he left Massillon Washington third on the all-time winningest coaches list.

He leaves Westlake with a career record of 107-82.

Hall will remain active in the Westlake City School District as a Health and Physical Education teacher and will continue as an assistant to Athletic Director Tony Cipollone as a Faculty Manager.

“I would like to thank Coach Hall for his dedication to the Westlake football program,” Cipollone said. “He has helped to build a solid foundation on which the football program can continue to grow. I look forward to working with him in his new role as we continue to develop our overall athletic program.”

The search for Hall’s replacement will begin immediately.

AIMEE BIELOZER — THE MORNING JOURNAL Westlake coach Jason Hall talks to his team after the Demons defeated Holland Springfield in overtime on Nov. 4, 2016. Hall stepped down as Westlake’s coach on Dec. 7.