Mattoon — After 21 years with Mattoon CUSD #2 and four years in administration, Jarad Kimbro will step down as head coach of the Mattoon High School Greenwave to become principal of Arland D. Williams Elementary School beginning with the 2026–27 school year.
The district announced Kimbro’s administrative appointment as part of a broader leadership transition that accompanies the upcoming retirements of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. David Skocy and Arland D. Williams, Principal Michael Shaffer.
Kimbro became Mattoon’s head football coach after the Dec. 14, 2021, school board meeting, when outgoing head coach Troy Johnson announced his retirement.
Johnson praised Kimbro’s knowledge, loyalty, and readiness for the role: “Jarad will bring a lot of enthusiasm. He has been with me since I came to Mattoon.
Jarad has experience in every aspect of the game. He is very loyal to the program and the Mattoon community.” Kimbro took over the program for the 2022 season and was the 10th head coach since 1974.
District officials highlighted Kimbro’s long service and ties to the community when announcing his move to elementary leadership.
Superintendent Tim Condron said the district is “excited to welcome these exceptional leaders” and pointed to Kimbro’s rapport with students and staff and his commitment to continuous improvement as reasons he’s a fit for Arland D. Williams.
Nicole Barnes wrote, “I think Mr Kimbro will make a great addition to Williams. Tough spot to replace as the current principal is also great.”
A new Journey for Jarad Kimbro
Athletic and school leaders who worked with Kimbro noted his character and leadership.
Trent Duckett, who will become athletic director when Dave Vieth retires, called Kimbro “a man of character, a leader, and a Mattoon guy,” adding that Kimbro’s 18 years helping student-athletes “has helped to shape the goals he has for himself, his staff, and most importantly, his players.
Vieth also praised Kimbro and predicted he will “continue to build on Johnson’s legacy.”
Kimbro has publicly expressed appreciation for his mentors and his readiness to lead. At his 2021 introduction, he said,”
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Mattoon High School football program. Leading a high school football program has been a goal of mine since I started coaching 18 years ago.I have had the great fortune of working for two of the best coaches in the area (Coach Gerald Temples and Coach Johnson) … I am very lucky that we have a bunch of great kids that will put in the time and effort to make this program a success.”
A personal endorsement shared Oct. 25 under the name “SEVEN DUECE” described Kimbro as “Husband, Dad, Brother, Coach … Not many people get to have their best friend be their O-Line Coach my first year as an OC,” and closed, “GO GREENWAVE !!!!”
Kimbro’s move closes a chapter for Mattoon football and opens a new one in elementary leadership as the district prepares for the 2026–27 school year.
