By Mike Frank
Examiner Sports Writer
Coach Dan McGill is retiring as the head coach of West Liberty-Salem football.
The news was announced in a release from WL-S athletic director Morgan Sullivan on Monday.
McGill has coached the Tigers since 2013, with an overall record of 97-41. The most recent campaign saw West Liberty-Salem finish 5-0 to win the North Division in the Ohio Heritage Conference. Overall, they went 9-1 in the regular season.
In the playoffs, they defeated Arcanum, Miami East, Waynesville and rival Indian Lake to reach the state semifinals for the first time. They lost to Ironton, who went on to win the Division V title.
West Liberty-Salem reached the postseason nine times under McGill, going 13-9. They reached the regional finals in 2013, 2014 and 2019.
McGill spent one year as an assistant at Bellefontaine in 1999. He then switched to the staff at West Liberty-Salem, serving as an assistant from 2000 to 2008.
From 2008 to 2012, McGill shifted his focus to youth football, shaping the next generation of Tigers.
“His journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and an enduring impact on players, colleagues, and the West Liberty-Salem community,” the release stated.
“He built a program defined by hard work, integrity, and a relentless belief in the potential of every player. His athletes not only became better football players but also learned life lessons that will guide them far beyond the gridiron,” it said.
In a phone interview Monday, McGill said that he was very thankful to all of the coaches that he had the opportunity to coach with both as an assistant under Toby Smith and on his current staff.
“I also really appreciate all the players at the end of the day,” McGill said. “I actually enjoy practice, because it’s time to be around those guys and see them improve on a day-to-day basis.”
He added that the key to success is having a program which develops players. “A lot of my most successful years were with senior classes who were program kids and worked really hard in the weight room and in the offseason.”
McGill also expressed appreciation to his wife and family for their support. “I also have gratitude toward the Lord. He has put me in a place to have impact for good.”
“Coach McGill exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose,” said Sullivan. “His dedication to our students, school, and community is unparalleled, and his legacy will resonate for years to come. Thank you, Coach McGill, for the memories, the lessons, and the legacy. WL-S football is forever stronger because of you.”