Owensboro High School football coach Jay Fallin, one of the most successful leaders in the program’s storied history, has announced his resignation after 10 years as head coach and five years as an assistant. While his on-field success speaks for itself, Fallin is just as proud, if not more so, of the impact he helped make on young men’s lives off the field over the last decade.
Under Fallin’s leadership, the Red Devils maintained their place among Kentucky’s elite 5A football programs, reaching the regional championship seven times (winning four) and advancing to the state semifinals in four consecutive seasons. Fallin amassed an impressive 99-32 record, marking the second-most victories in program history behind the 152 by Gerald Poynter, who coached for 20 seasons.
Fallin began his career with the Red Devils at age 23, fresh out of college, serving as an assistant coach under Joe Prince. When Prince retired and moved to Virginia, Fallin was named head coach at just 28 years old — a decision that then-principal Anita Burnette and then-athletic director Chris Gaddis made with confidence in his potential.
From the outset, Fallin embraced the challenge of leading one of Kentucky’s most historic programs. Over 10 years, he achieved consistent success on the field, with the Red Devils becoming perennial contenders in Class 5A. Despite falling short of a state championship, Fallin takes pride in the accomplishments of his teams.
“Obviously, when I reflect back on my career, the one on-field goal that I wish we had accomplished was to win a state championship,” Fallin said. “It didn’t work out. We got incredibly close several times. But I’m very, very, very proud of everything that we’ve done on the field and off.”
His players’ development beyond the football field, however, may be his greatest legacy.
“Every time my family and I go out in the community, I can’t help but run into guys who have played for us working in every different sector of society and the economy,” Fallin said. “It’s always such a pleasure to see them doing well and know that their time playing for us meant so much to them.”
In a heartfelt social media post Thursday morning, Fallin expressed his gratitude to everyone who has supported him over the years, from his players to his coaching staff, administrators, and the Owensboro community.
“I’ve generally tried to avoid posting about myself on social media over the years, but I would be remiss if I didn’t share a few words today,” Fallin wrote. “I am immensely appreciative of every single young man I have had the opportunity to coach over the last 15 years. Each of them has enriched my life, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to lead them.”
Fallin also acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family during his coaching tenure, a key factor in his decision to step down.
Speaking about his resignation, Fallin emphasized that the decision was deeply personal.
“Being a head coach requires a great deal of sacrifice — not just from the coach, but from his family,” he said. “My family has sacrificed a great deal over the years for me to pursue this dream, and it’s time for me, at least for now, to repay some of those sacrifices.”
Owensboro High School athletic director Todd Harper praised Fallin’s leadership and dedication, calling him a true asset to the school and community.
“He’s the second-all-time winningest coach at OHS, and his winning percentage is unreal. Those are great accomplishments, but in my opinion, that’s not his legacy. His true legacy to our football program is as a great leader of young men,” Harper said.
Harper’s tenure as athletic director overlapped significantly with Fallin’s time as head coach. Harper, who was part of the selection committee that hired Fallin, recalled being struck by Fallin’s passion and maturity during the interview process.
“You could just tell,” Harper said of why Fallin got the job 10 years ago. “He had a passion — not just for football but for Owensboro High School and for our athletes. His enthusiasm stood out immediately. He had a great big-picture approach to decision-making that was mature beyond his years. You could tell in his DNA that he was head coach material and going to be a great leader.”
Harper added, “It’s been great watching him grow from a 28-year-old head coach into the leader he is today. He’s had tremendous success and coached countless players who’ve gone on to do great things, not just as college athletes but as great people in our community.”
Though Fallin is stepping away from coaching, he plans to continue his work at Owensboro High School as a social studies teacher. He is also leaving the door open for a potential return to coaching at some point in the future.
“I’m just taking a step back for now,” Fallin said. “I’m going to concentrate on being a husband, father, and teacher and take it a day at a time. I’m not totally ruling out a return to coaching somewhere at some point in the future, but I have no plans for that in the immediate future.”
As Owensboro High School begins its search for Fallin’s successor, Harper expressed confidence in the program’s ability to move forward.
“Owensboro High School football has been around for over 130 years, and we’ll move forward as expected,” Harper said. “The job will be posted soon, and we’ll focus on finding the right person to continue the program’s legacy.”
For Fallin, his time with the Red Devils has been about more than wins and losses. It’s been about shaping young men and building lasting relationships within the community.
“I walk out for the final time today with nothing but love and a million cherished memories,” Fallin wrote in his social media post. “Go Devils, forever.”
