MORGANTOWN – In the midst of his third season as the head football coach at Trinity, Christopher Simpson submitted his letter of resignation to the school on Monday.
After finishing last season 7-2 and earning a spot in the Class A playoffs, the Warriors are 3-1 this season and in position to fight for another playoff spot.
The next chapter to the Warriors’ season — Friday night at Millersport, Ohio — will have a slightly different look, with defensive coordinator Mike McKenzie taking over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
As for Simpson’s resignation, he cited personal differences with the Trinity administration and added that it certainly wasn’t something he is pleased to do, but the right thing to do at this time.
“Unfortunately in life you come to a crossroads,” Simpson said. “I have faith that God has much more in store for me. I have faith that God always gives you what you can handle and that every day is a constant reminder of whom you are and who you serve.”
“Over the course of the years I was there, you build amazing relationships with the players,” Simpson said on Tuesday. “As time goes on, they become more than players, they become family.”
Trinity athletic director Codey Horton said last year, his first serving as the AD, was a special one and Simpson was a huge part of the success of the football program.
“Along with the success of the soccer team, it was an amazing thing to witness both of those going on at the same time,” Horton said. “With it being the first time going to the playoffs, that’s a huge accomplishment. We had the coaches and players to make it there, and Chris did a really great job leading us to the playoffs.”
Horton says the Warriors will continue their season as scheduled. McKenzie formerly served under Simpson as associate head coach and defensive coordinator.
McKenzie said he and Simpson are very close and will always remain that way despite the change.
“Chris and I are best friends and I’m sad that he won’t be beside me on the sideline anymore, but I am very excited for the opportunity and plan to make the most of it,” McKenzie said. “He and I are a lot alike in many ways, on and off the field, so I’m sure the transition will be fine with the players and staff.”
In his three years at Trinity, Simpson finished 14-7 overall, including the school’s first-ever playoff appearance. The Warriors were the No. 11 seed last season and lost to James Monroe in the first round.
“This senior class is special to me particularly with Levi Teets and Kyle Knight. I love them and I will miss coaching them all,” Simpson said.
Both Teets and Knight earned all-state honors under Simpson last season, Teets as a tailback and Knight as a kicker/punter.
“Not only were they amazing football players but they’re amazing kids, and they’re going to grow into great young men,” Simpson said.
Before taking the head coaching spot, Simpson served as an assistant for former WVU player Marcus Law, who served as head coach when the school revitalized its football program in 2019.
Simpson, who formerly coached at the semi-pro level for the West Virginia Smash, hopes that his coaching days aren’t over and may even eye a return to the semi-pro level again.
“I’ve been contacted by a few organizations and will sit back and weigh my options,” he said. “But for right now I am going to take a break for my family.”
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