Jason Gildon’s tenure as the football coach at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School lasted only two years.
North Catholic has decided to open Gildon’s coaching position. Gildon, a former Steeler, said the decision was made after a meeting with North Catholic officials Thursday.
Neither Gildon nor North Catholic athletic director Mike Burrell would say what the reasons were for Gildon’s dismissal, but Gildon said, “It was a situation where we sat down and talked and discussed. We agreed to disagree on some things. If they feel, for the betterment of my players, it would be better for me to step aside, I can’t argue with that.”
In two seasons, Gildon had a 17-6 record and made the WPIAL semifinals last year. He had two sons, Justus and King, on the team this season. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and assistant Joey Porter also had sons on the team.
“There are a lot of people I would like to thank for the opportunity, the parents that were very supportive,” said Gildon, whose 77 sacks are second in Steelers franchise history. “This came as a surprise, it really did. But I’ve always felt my time there was about the kids. If they feel they want to go in another direction for whatever reason, so be it.”
Burrell said, “We’d like to thank Jason for the two years. He’s a great guy and good man. We’re excited about the future of the program.”
In other WPIAL coaching news, Bo Ruffner has resigned as Mount Pleasant’s coach after nine seasons. Ruffner said he would like to take a few years off to watch his son, Bo Jr., play at Latrobe.
Ruffner had a 66-29 record and made the WPIAL playoffs eight of nine years.
First Published: December 9, 2016, 12:31 a.m.
