Jarad Kimbro fulfilled a goal he had when he started coaching football nearly 20 years ago.

The longtime assistant coach was tabbed Monday night as Mattoon’s 10th head coach since 1974.

Kimbro replaces retiring Troy Johnson, who went 49-71 and guided five teams into the postseason across 13 seasons.

“Jarad will bring a lot of enthusiasm,” said Johnson. “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. I believe he will do a great job. He certainly has been patient while waiting to get his chance to lead the Greenwave football team. I hope he has as many great memories as I do when it is all said and done.” 

Kimbro served as an assistant football coach for 18 years, stretching back to Gerald Temples.

“Leading a high school football program has been a goal of mine since I started coaching 18 years ago,” Kimbro said. “I have had the great fortune of working for two of the best coaches in the area and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have taught me about leading a program and how to treat kids. 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.”