There again is a vacancy at the top of the Bellefontaine High School football program.Aaron Peitsmeyer, who was hired Dec. 18 to replace Jason Brown after he stepped down following his second stint as head coach, offered his resignation as head football coach Thursday.
The decision came on the heels of Peitsmeyer’s arrest last weekend for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped by Bellefontaine police in the early morning hours Sunday.
Peitsmeyer was immediately placed on leave from his position as a business teacher at the high school as the school administration investigated the situation.
Brown, the high school principal, sent an e-mail to the staff Friday afternoon updating the status of Peitsmeyer in his coaching and teaching roles.
“Mr. Peitsmeyer has recently faced a legal and professional matter,” explained Brown in the e-mail. “We want to assure you that he is fully cooperating with our district regarding these events.
“We understand that such circumstances may raise concerns, and we want to assure you that Mr. Peitsmeyer has demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and accountability throughout this process. He has sought professional guidance and has taken steps to ensure that such incidents will not affect his professional responsibilities. However, Mr. Peitsmeyer resigned as the head football coach (Feb. 1). Our district will now begin the process of finding the most qualified candidate possible for that position.”
Brown said that Peitsmeyer will be retained in his teaching role at the high school and will return to his position at the start of the week.
“As Mr. Peitsmeyer returns to teaching Monday morning, he will be closely monitored and supported by our administrative team,” stated Brown. “We believe in giving individuals the opportunity for redemption and personal growth, and we are confident that he will continue to contribute positively to the learning environment at BHS.”
A 2002 BHS graduate, Aaron played for his late father Greg while a Chieftain.
Peitsmeyer would eventually embark on a coaching career that saw him serve 15 years as an assistant coach at Marysville. He was the defensive coordinator on the Monarchs’ 2021 Division I regional finalist squad.
Peitsmeyer decided to return home to Bellefontaine, where he was the associate head coach this past season.