North Mac, Nokomis, Staunton search for new football coaches

Robbi Howard officially resigned as North Mac’s football coach at a Jan. 28 school board meeting.

Howard went 10-18 over three seasons, including 6-4 and a Class 2A playoff berth in 2024. 

Howard previously served as head coach and athletic director at Beardstown for five seasons from 2016 to spring 2021 with four straight playoff appearances, then two seasons as an assistant coach at Chatham Glenwood. 

The Illinois Association of School Administrators web site indicates the vacancy was listed on Jan. 7.  

Elsewhere, Paul Watson resigned as Nokomis’ football coach on Jan. 20 after 10 seasons with a 52-41 overall record. He recently led NHS to its first playoff win since 2006 with a 28-19 victory over Tuscola. Nokomis had lost 10 straight playoff games until the 2025 postseason.  

NHS athletic director Ryan Lightle said the school is currently interviewing coaches and would like to present a candidate or two at the next school board meeting. 

Neither Howard nor Watson responded to a phone call on Tuesday, Feb. 3.  

Staunton football coach Austin Sherfy also officially resigned at a Dec. 15 school board meeting after five seasons with a 14-31 overall record, including back-to-back 4-5 seasons just narrowly missing the playoffs before the 2026 postseason format change.  

Staunton athletic director Corrie Allan said in an email that she hopes the position will be filled at the Feb. 21 board meeting.  

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: North Mac's Robbi Howard, Nokomis' Paul Watson resign as football coaches